Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fungal types found in normal and infected dog ears
By Campbell, Jacquelyn J et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2010·Dermatology for Animals, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of fungal flora in normal and diseased canine ears.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with ear problems, including those with allergies and healthy dogs, had their ear samples tested for fungal infections. The study found that a common fungus called Malassezia pachydermatis was present in some dogs, especially those with more ear wax and other skin issues. However, the presence of this fungus didn't directly relate to whether the dogs had ear infections or allergies. The researchers noted that while many dogs had fungal growth, it didn't always mean they were sick. Treatment focused on managing the underlying skin conditions and cleaning the ears, which helped improve the dogs' overall health.
People also search for: dog ear infection treatment · why does my dog have ear wax · Malassezia in dogs symptoms
Abstract
This study was undertaken to characterize otic fungal flora encountered in normal dogs, atopic dogs with no clinical or cytological evidence of otitis and dogs with otitis externa. Forty-two normal dogs, 23 atopic dogs and 32 dogs with otitis were included in the study. Samples for otic fungal culture and cytology were obtained from all animals, for a total of 194 ears. Sixty-seven ear samples (34%) were culture positive for saprophytic fungal organisms, as follows: 43 (64%) Penicillium species, 13 (19%) Aspergillus species and the remaining 17% comprised of various other saprophytic fungal organisms. Cytological evidence of saprophytic fungal colonization or infection was not found in any animal. There was no relationship between positive saprophytic fungal culture and any study group. Thirty-three ear samples (17%) were positive for Malassezia pachydermatis. Cytological findings of Malassezia were significantly associated with positive culture for Malassezia (P = 0.006 left ear; P = 0.019 right ear). Furthermore, increased numbers of Malassezia led to a higher chance of positive culture (P = 0.003 left ear; P = 0.008 right ear; McNemar's test). Malassezia pachydermatis was more likely to be cultured from ears with increased cerumen. Ear type (erect or pendulous) was not significantly associated with positive culture for Malassezia or saprophytic fungal organisms. There was no relationship between positive Malassezia culture and any study group; however, Malassezia was more likely to be cultured from individual dogs in the atopic or otitis groups that also had other dermatological signs consistent with allergic dermatitis and/or pyoderma (P = 0.031 left ear; P = 0.005 right ear).
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20868397/