Description

Otitis externa is a common presentation and comprises around 7.5% of all small animal consultations in clinical practice. It is of multifactorial aetiology and involves primary and secondary causes of inflammation and various predisposing and perpetuating factors. It frequently occurs as part of a generalised skin disease or underlying systemic illness.  Although initial symptomatic therapy may be appropriate for early, acute cases of otitis externa, disease almost invariably recurs and a systematic and thorough approach to identify and address the various causes and factors can avoid the onset of chronic disease. Chronic otitis externa is a cause of significant suffering and such cases are complex, frustrating and common reasons for referral. This webinar will briefly review the causes and factors involved in otitis externa, outline the various clinical presentations and examine the clinical approach and management of this disease with a focus on early intervention and avoidance of chronic disease.