Environmental and Conformational Causes of Ceruminous Otitis
Moisture in the ear canal due to high humidity, high ambient temperature, improper drying of the ear after cleaning, or malodorous cerumen results in the absorption of an excessive amount of water by the epithelium of the ear canal.
This leads to severe maceration of the ear canal with secondary infection. This condition is complicated by the poor ventilation observed in some dogs with pendulous pinnae. Covering of the external meatus by long pendulous ears prevents proper air circulation.Improper ear medication, harsh medications, and the inappropriate use of instruments in the ear cause irritation and abrasion, predisposing the ear canal to irritation and subsequently otitis externa with secondary infection and epithelial hyperplasia.
Proper ear drying after cleaning, avoidance of harsh medications, use of appropriate instruments for ear cleaning, and performance of routine otoscopic examination for early identification and treatment are mandatory for the successful treatment of otitis externa.
Suggested Readings
Griffin CE, Kwochka KW, MacDonald JM: Current veterinary dermatology: the science and art of therapy, St Louis, 1992, Mosby.
Marino DJ, MacDonald JM, Matthiesen DT, et al: Results of surgery in cats with ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma, J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 30, 1994.
Nesbith GH, Ackerman, LJ: Canine and feline dermatology: diagnosis and treatment, Trenton, NJ, 1998, Veterinary Learning Systems.
Power HT, Ihrke PJ: Use of etretinate for treatment of primary keratinization disorders in cocker spaniels, J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 201:419-429, 1992.
Scott DW, Miller WH, Griffin CE: Mueller and Kirk’s Small animal dermatology, ed 6, Philadelphia, 2001, WB Saunders.
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