References
Management of otitis externa and the veterinary nurse's role
Abstract
Otitis externa represents a very large proportion of the cases in small animal practice. As practice clinics become increasingly busy veterinary nurses can be utilised to play an essential role in the management of these cases. This article is a brief overview of how to approach otitis externa to improve patient care, speed recovery and reduce the risk of re-occurrence, including the role veterinary nurses can play in the diagnosis and management of otitis externa. This article will discuss the importance of cytology, bacterial cultures, examination of the ear canal and ear cleaning/flushing.
Otitis externa is classified as acute or chronic inflammation of the external auditory canal. It is known to be a common complaint in patients within small animal practice, occurring in approximately 10–20% of dogs and 2–6% of cats (Angus, 2004; Saridomichelakis et al, 2007). There are many factors involved in the development of otitis externa which have been refined into four categories: primary factors (Table 1), predisposing factors (Table 2), perpetuating factors (Table 3), and secondary infection (Table 4).
Several of these categories can contribute to the development of otitis externa at one time. Therefore good management involves controlling the predisposing and perpetuating factors and identifying and addressing the primary factors. It is important to address the primary factors when possible as treating the predisposing and perpetuating factors alone can lead to reoccurrence of otitis even when these factors are adequately controlled (Payne, 2008). Reoccurrence of otitis externa can lead to chronic disease caused by chronic inflammation resulting in irreversible damage to the ear canals (Bosznay, 2014).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.