Prevalence and diagnostic features of external otitis in dogs and cats in veterinary clinics in Poltava

Abstract

The relevance of the conducted research was due to the spread of otitis of various aetiologies among dogs and cats. The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of external otitis in small animals, to determine the clinical symptoms of otitis depending on different forms of progression in order to improve the diagnosis of the disease. To achieve this goal, haematological and microscopic types of studies were carried out. Cytological examination of imprint smears established the presence of epiteliocytes, lymphocytes, cerumen and dirt, and in some cases otodectic infestation was detected. The diagnosis of infectious diseases was carried out using immunochromatographic methods, where otitis was an accompanying disease. Leucocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphopenia were established, which developed during the acute phase of inflammation, while the chronic process was accompanied by less pronounced changes in the leucogram. Monitoring research of the intensity of otitis spread among dogs and cats was conducted in the city of Poltava in the period from March 2024 to February 2025. The obtained data indicated a significant prevalence of this pathology among dogs in the spring period. In the veterinary clinic “Aibolit” 793 cases of otitis were established, of which 705 in dogs, which amounted to 88.9%, and 88 in cats, which corresponded to 11.1%. In the veterinary clinic “MAXVET” 680 cases of otitis were recorded, among which 609 in dogs, which amounted to 89.6%, and 71 in cats, which made up 10.4%. Breed predisposition to the development of otitis in brachycephalic breeds was revealed. The most common aetiological factors of otitis were established: mechanical injuries, parasitic infestations, and complications as a result of infectious diseases. Clinical symptoms manifested as local redness, swelling of the external ear, itching and pain signs, which were accompanied by the animals’ restlessness and constant scratching of the ears and the formation of exudate. The practical value of the obtained results lay in the identification of patterns of spread and aetiological factors of otitis, which expanded the possibilities of the diagnosis