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Myringotomy in dogs: Contamination rate from the external ear canal - a pilot study
E Reinbacher1, S Kneissl2, R Hirt1
1Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
Veterinary and Animal Science
|August 1, 2020
Summary
Myringotomy for diagnosing canine otitis media is highly contaminated with external ear canal material, questioning its diagnostic accuracy, especially when concurrent infections are present.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Diagnostic Microbiology
Background:
- Myringotomy is a standard procedure for collecting middle ear samples in dogs.
- Accurate diagnosis of otitis media is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the contamination rate of middle ear aspirates with external ear canal material.
- To evaluate the reliability of myringotomy for diagnosing otitis media in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Video-otoscopic guided myringotomy was performed on canine cadavers.
- External ear canals were flushed and instilled with fluorescent dye.
- Middle ear aspirates were analyzed for fluorescence, bacterial culture, and cytology.
Main Results:
- A high contamination rate of 67.9% was observed in middle ear aspirates.
- Microorganisms were found in 15.4% of middle ear samples and 57.7% of external ear canals.
- Fluorescent dye confirmed external ear canal contamination in most samples.
Conclusions:
- Myringotomy for middle ear sampling in dogs has a significant risk of external ear canal contamination.
- This high contamination rate challenges the diagnostic utility of myringotomy for otitis media, particularly in cases with concurrent external ear infections.
- The procedure may also pose a risk of iatrogenic spread of microorganisms into the middle ear.
