Video otoscopic, radiographic and clinical evaluation of dogs suffering from ear affections

Abstract

The present study involved video otoscopic, radiographic and clinical examination of 100 dogs suffering from various ear affections. Video otoscopy was performed in 45 dogs and various kinds of exudates and lesions like inflammation, erythema, proliferation of glands, ulceration, maggots, crusts and masses were observed. Tympanic membrane could be visualised in 19 (42%) cases, which was intact in 14 (31%) cases and ruptured in five (11%) cases. Ear canal cytology was performed in 96 dogs and highest occurrence of bacterial infection (57, 60%) was recorded. Culture and sensitivity testing was done in 31 cases with chronic recurrent otitis externa and Staphylococcus spp. was noticed in most cases (14, 45%). Most of the bacterial isolates were found to be sensitive to Enrofloxacin, followed by Amikacin and Gentamicin. Survey radiography revealed unilateral or bilateral calcification of ear canal in 50 out of 100 dogs. Unilateral or bilateral increase in radio-opacity of tympanic bulla was noticed in 26 dogs and unilateral lysis of tympanic bulla and adjoining bony structures was observed in one dog. The study concludes that video otoscopy is a useful diagnostic modality for precise and accurate assessment of ear canal affections along with radiography and clinical examination as important diagnostic tool that helps in deciding the line of treatment.