Prevalence of Otitis Externa in a Population of Owned Cats in Northern Italy

Although increasingly studied feline otitis externa (OE) prevalence is not yet well defined. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of OE in a population of privately owned cats in Northern Italy. Cats were clinically, otoscopically and cytologically evaluated. Diagnosis of OE was based on clinical findings along with abnormal ear cytology. The influence of the main demographic variables was examined. The prevalence of OE was 17% with a positive correlation to being European, and having short hair, a dermatological history, pruritus and multiple clinical signs. Ear cytology was abnormal in 19% of cats. Mites were found in 6% of the cats, about half of which were exclusively indoor cats and completely asymptomatic. Pathological numbers of bacteria and/or yeasts were found on cytology in 15% of cats and, of these, 29% had only Malassezia spp., 65% only cocci, and 6% a mixed population of these microorganisms. The prevalence of OE in owned cats in Northern Italy is relatively high. The identification of parasitic OE in asymptomatic and exclusively indoor cats, and a correlation between OE and dermatological history highlights the importance of systematic ear evaluation as part of routine feline health assessments.