PLEASE NOTE A NEW 4TH EDITION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY AND IN PRINT

Otitis is a frequent clinical presentation in practice. It should be considered a consequence of an underlying disease, thus the investigation and management of ear disease forms part of veterinary dermatology. Otitis is defined as any inflammation of the ear canal, whatever the cause or clinical presentation. Based on the history and the clinical signs, it is possible to differentiate between the various subtypes of otitis. This is useful because the clinical approach and therapy will vary depending on the type of otitis present. This chapter discusses Definitions; Pathogenesis of otitis; Acute otitis externa; Chronic otitis externa; Suppurative otitis externa; Feline otitis externa; and Ear canal surgery.