Prevalence and commonest causes for otitis externa in dogs from two polish veterinary clinics

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the incidence of otitis externa in dogs from two veterinary clinics in Poland caused by fungi, bacteria and parasites, taking into consideration predisposing factors as breed or season of the year. The research material was based on the data collected from dogs with otitis externa symptoms. A total of 1,185 dogs were registered, 121 of them were diagnosed with otitis externa. It was observed that the most frequent cause of ear inflammation in dogs were Malassezia pachydermatis fungi in the auditory meatus. Another equally important factor causing the disease was Otodectes cynotis. Only few dogs with otitis externa were diagnosed for the presence of bacteria. It was found that some dog breeds, such as Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, German shepherd, Cocker spaniel or Yorkshire terrier, due to their anatomy are more susceptible to otitis externa episodes. The majority of the cases of dogs suffering from otitis externa appeared in the summer. The lowest percentage was recorded in the spring and autumn.