Microbial Evaluation and Management of Otitis Externa in Dogs

The study was conducted to record the microbial inhabitants of the nirmal ear canal and isolate microbial infective agents in otitic ears in dogs. The microorganisms were isolated from 87.5% of normal ears, which included Staphylococcus spp. (37.5%) followed by S. pyogenes (25.0%), P. aeruginosa (12.5%) and E. coli (12.5%). The fungus Candida spp was isolated from 37.5% normal ears, which was always present along with Staphylococcus (25%) and Pseudomonas (12.5%). All the eight ears with otitis were positive for bacteria or bacteria along with fungal infection. S. intermedius (37.5%) was the most common followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.00%). Bacteria S. pyogenes, K. pneumonae and Proteus morganii were present in 12.5% cases each. The fungi isolated from otitic ears were Candida spp. (62.5% of cases) and Trichosporon spp. (12.5% cases). The fungi were always present in association with bacteria in otitic cases. The drug for treatment of such cases should contain an antifungal ingredient, an antibacterial component active against Streptococcus and P. aeruginosa, antipruritic and antiinflammatory component.