Evaluation of outcome of otitis media after lavage of the tympanic bulla and long-term antimicrobial drug treatment in dogs: 44 cases (1998-2002).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the outcome of otitis media in dogs after video-otoscopic lavage of the tympanic bulla and long-term antimicrobial drug treatment.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
44 dogs with otitis media treated in an academic referral practice.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for signalment, duration of ear canal disease, previous medical treatments, dermatologic diagnosis, results of cytologic examination and microbial culture of ear canal exudate, findings during video-otoscopy, medical treatment, days to resolution, and maintenance treatments prescribed. Four independent variables (age, duration of ear canal disease prior to referral, use of corticosteroids in treatment regimens, and infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were evaluated statistically for potential influence on time to resolution.


RESULTS
Mean +/- SD (range) duration of ear canal disease prior to referral was 24.9 +/- 21.6 (3 to 84) months. Otitis media in 36 dogs resolved after lavage of the tympanic bulla and medical management; mean +/- SD (range) time to resolution was 117 +/- 86.7 (30 to 360) days. Time to resolution was not significantly influenced by any variable evaluated. Three dogs were lost to follow-up, and 4 dogs eventually required surgical intervention. Seven of 36 dogs in which otitis had resolved relapsed; 4 required additional lavage procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that lavage of the tympanic bulla combined with medical management is an effective and viable option for treatment of otitis media in dogs.
Palmeiro
Brian S
BS
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary, Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Morris
Daniel O
DO
Wiemelt
Staci P
SP
Shofer
Frances S
FS
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D038781:Otoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents