Allergic otitis

Abstract

Ear disease is a common problem in primary care veterinary practice. A clear understanding of the underlying causes of disease, and the need both to recognise and treat infection effectively and to reverse chronic changes to the canal, is key to resolving disease and preventing recurrence. Symptomatic therapy with cleaners and drops can be justified when the client presents their pet for the first time. However, the prolonged use of medication without addressing the underlying primary causes and managing change within the canal will lead to recurrence of the problem; ongoing damage to the canal often with extension into the middle ear; and potentially the development of multiple-drug resistant infections. This is the first of a series of articles that addresses some of the most common challenges faced in practice in the management of ear disease. It has been prepared as a series of frequently asked questions. This first article considers allergic otitis.