Otitis externa beim Hund

Otitis externa (OE) is defined as an inflammation of the external ear canal and its prevalence is reported to be 5-13%. The pathogenesis of OE is often multifactorial. The PSPP-System identifies and differentiates primary and secondary causes and predisposing and perpetuating factors contributing to OE and helps the clinician to establish a therapeutic plan. For a successful therapy of OE to identify and treat all contributing causes and factors in each individual case. Frequent causes of canine OE are hypersensitivities to food and environmental allergens, foreign bodies and hypothyroidism. To achieve good owner compliance the clinician needs good communication skills. A clinical and otoscopic examination and ear cytology are needed to make the diagnosis of OE. The usefulness of bacterial cultures and susceptibility testing in cases of OE is currently under debate. The gold standard for drug application in OE is topical as higher drug concentrations are achieved in the ear compared to systemic treatment. A lot of commercial ear products and ear cleaners are available. The clinician should be aware of their ingredients, their mode of action and possible ototoxic effects. Short term therapy with systemic glucocorticoids can be useful in cases of stenotic ear canals. Surgery might be the only successful treatment in end-stage otitis externa.