Pruritic Dermatoses

Pruritus is probably the most common cause of pinnal lesions in dogs and cats. The origin of the pruritus can be the pinna itself, as in arthropod-related dermatoses, atopic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis.⁴ Nevertheless, pinnal pruritus is most commonly caused by otitis externa (e.g., otodectic mange, foreign body, Malassezia otitis externa, atopic dermatitis) or facial diseases (e.g., intertrigo, food allergy, atopic dermatitis, conjunctivitis).⁴ Pruritus results in pinnal alopecia, excoriation, and crusting.