Ceruminous Otitis and its Clinical Management

Ceruminous otitis is the most common type of multifactorial disorder in dogs and is commonly associated with bacterial and/or yeast infections. The main diagnostic workup for Ceruminous otitis requires a detailed history, thorough physical as well as ear examinations, and cytologic evaluation. Diagnostic imaging may be essential tool for assessing the extent of mineralization of cartilage in the external ear and destruction of bone in the middle ear. If the ear canals are severely inflamed, pretreatment with systemic anti-inflammatory drugs is needed before flushing. Frequent ear cleaning with appropriate topical medication can control the odor associated with this condition. Steroids, cytotoxic drugs, and retinoic acid have variable effects to control ceruminous otitis.

Keywords: Ceruminous otitis, Chronic inflammation, Dog, Hyperplasia, Treatment.