[Investigations on clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis of otitis media et interna in swine]

A total of 25 pigs with a head tilt as clinical sign of otitis media et interna were examined. The majority were weaner-pigs with respiratory tract disorders. In lateral and ventrodorsal radiographic views of the bulla tympanica, there was an increased opacity, often accompanied by marginal destruction or thickening of the bulla wall. The findings confirmed the clinical diagnosis in each affected pig. In the case of leptomeningitis an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed a drastic increase in the cell count. In 20 of 23 microbiologically examined empyemic bullae a polyinfection was seen. The results indicate that the route of infection of the middle ear is by the auditory tube. Mange on the other hand plays only a minor role in the pathogenesis of otitis media.