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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Aspergillus otitis in small animals--a retrospective study of 17 cases
Elizabeth C Goodale1, Catherine A Outerbridge2, Stephen D White2
1William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
Background:
Aspergillus spp. are saprophytic opportunistic fungal organisms and are a common cause of otomycosis in humans. Although there have been case reports of Aspergillus otitis externa in dogs, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first retrospective case series describing Aspergillus otitis in dogs and cats.
Objective:
To characterize signalment, putative risk factors, treatments and outcomes of a case series of dogs and cats with Aspergillus otitis.
Animals:
Eight dogs and nine cats diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis.
Methods:
A retrospective review of medical records from 1989 to 2014 identified animals diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis based on culture.
Results:
All dogs weighed greater than 23 kg. The most common putative risk factors identified in this study were concurrent diseases, therapy causing immunosuppression or a history of an otic foreign body. Aspergillus otitis was unilateral in all study dogs and most cats. Concurrent otitis media was confirmed in three dogs and one cat, and suspected in two additional cats. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common isolate overall and was the dominant isolate in cats. Aspergillus niger and A. terreus were more commonly isolated from dogs. Animals received various topical and systemic antifungal medications; however, otic lavage under anaesthesia and/or surgical intervention increased the likelihood of resolution of the fungal infection.
Conclusion:
Aspergillus otitis is uncommon, typically seen as unilateral otitis externa in cats and larger breed dogs with possible risk factors that include immunosuppression and otic foreign bodies; previous antibiotic usage was common.
Insights
This study details Aspergillus otitis in dogs and cats, finding it
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Comparative Pathology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Aspergillus species are opportunistic fungi causing otomycosis in humans.
- While rare, Aspergillus otitis externa has been reported in dogs.
- This study presents the first case series on Aspergillus otitis in dogs and cats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize signalment, risk factors, treatments, and outcomes for Aspergillus otitis in domestic animals.
- To identify common Aspergillus species and clinical presentations in affected dogs and cats.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records (1989-2014) for dogs and cats diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis via culture.
- Eight dogs and nine cats were included in the case series.
- Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, risk factors, treatments, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus otitis was unilateral in most dogs (all >23 kg) and cats.
- Common risk factors included concurrent diseases, immunosuppressive therapy, and otic foreign bodies.
- Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common isolate overall; Aspergillus niger and A. terreus were more frequent in dogs. Otic lavage and/or surgery improved resolution rates.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus otitis is an uncommon condition in cats and large breed dogs, often presenting as unilateral otitis externa.
- Key risk factors include immunosuppression and otic foreign bodies, with prior antibiotic use being frequent.
- Treatment success is enhanced by otic lavage and surgical intervention.
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