Otitis externa is common in dogs, and may be unilateral or bilateral. Evaluation for otitis and its diagnosis is based on ear canal palpation, visual inspection of ears, including otoscopic examination, and cytological analysis of otic contents.
How long does otitis externa last in dogs?
Recovery from otitis externa will largely be at home, but how long this takes will depend on how severe the damage is. Most dogs will fully recover in three to four weeks, but severe cases may take longer.
Does otitis externa go away by itself in dogs?
Canine otitis externa occurs when a dog's external ear canal is inflamed and potentially also infected. It's a leading cause of vet visits for dogs, and in most cases requires medical treatment and won't go away on its own.
How do you treat otitis externa in dogs?
Most cases of otitis externa with yeast respond well to topical therapy, but systemic antifungals such as ketoconazole (dogs) or terbinafine (dogs and cats) may be helpful. If otitis media is suspected in addition to otitis externa, CT or MRI can be useful to decide whether a myringotomy and middle ear flush is needed.
What causes canine otitis externa?
Otitis externa is considered a multifactorial disorder; the most common primary cause is allergy, which is often secondarily accompanied by microbial infections (Malassezia and bacteria). Other predisposing and perpetuating factors also contribute to the disease process (TABLE 1).
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