Otitis externa can be caused by many different factors. Some of these factors (such as parasites, foreign objects, and allergies) appear to directly cause the inflammation, while others (such as certain bacteria, yeasts, or a middle ear infection) perpetuate the condition.
Why do dogs get otitis externa?
Primary factors are diseases that have a direct effect on the external ear canal and can cause otitis, including otic parasites such as Otodectes cyanotis, hypersensitivity disease [food allergy, atopic dermatitis, contact hypersensitivity (Figure 1)], endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism, otic neoplasia and ...
What is the main cause of otitis externa?
Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria. Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) may provide a source for the growth of bacteria and fungi.
How common is otitis externa in dogs?
In a retrospective study3 of 100 dogs with acute (37%) and chronic-recurrent (63%) otitis externa, the most common primary cause of otitis was allergic dermatitis (43/100 dogs; Figure 2), followed by grass awns (12/100) and otoacariasis (7/100). No primary factor could be identified in 32 of 100 cases.
How long does it take for otitis externa to heal in dogs?
Most dogs will fully recover in three to four weeks, but severe cases may take longer.
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