Otitis externa is a frequent problem in small animals and involves as high as 4 of each 100 veterinary hospital admissions. Medical treatment for otitis externa is directed at the etiologic agent identified, and at removing exudate and excess cerumen from the external ear canal. Specific factors, such as hair within the ear canals, masses within the ear canals, or systemic diseases such as atopy, that predispose dogs and cats to otitis externa should be identified. Lateral ear resection and vertical ear resection used to treat otitis externa are adjunctive not therapeutic. Cytology, culture, and sensitivity testing are important, as is appropriate and consistent administration of medical treatment, prior to recommending adjunctive surgical intervention. Ear resection procedures can augment the benefits of medical therapy by changing the microclimate within the ear canal, and by improving drainage of exudate from the affected ear. The ear is easier to clean and medicate, but rarely is ear resection surgery primarily responsible for resolution of otitis externa.
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