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Ulcerative otitis externa responsive to immunosuppressive therapy in two dogs
A Hendricks1, H Brooks, A Pocknell
1Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|August 31, 2002
Summary
Two dogs with severe ulcerative otitis externa were diagnosed with immune-mediated disease. This suggests primary ulcerative conditions should be considered for unresponsive ear infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Otitis externa is a common canine condition.
- Bilateral severe ulcerative otitis externa is rare, especially without prior history or concurrent skin disease.
Observation:
- Two middle-aged dogs presented with severe, bilateral ulcerative otitis externa.
- Microbial infections and other primary causes were excluded.
- Histopathological findings and response to immunomodulatory treatment supported a diagnosis of presumed immune-mediated ulcerative otitis externa.
Findings:
- The two cases exhibited distinct histopathological characteristics.
- The disease course varied between the two dogs.
- A diagnosis of presumed immune-mediated ulcerative otitis externa was established.
Implications:
- Primary ulcerative disease should be considered in cases of ulcerative otitis externa.
- This is particularly relevant for cases unresponsive to standard antimicrobial therapy.
- Highlights the need for thorough diagnostics beyond infectious causes in refractory otitis externa.