Refractory Otitis Externa due to Malassezia pachydermatis and cocci in dogs : Diagnosis and Treatment

Seventeen cases of otitis externa in dogs (German shepherd 7, Great Dane 2, Labrador 3, Dachshund 2, Boxer 2, Beagle 1) of varying age groups (1 to 8 years) refractory to routine therapy were investigated for its etiology using otoscopic, radiographic and cytological examinations. Investigation revealed that these cases of refractory otitis externa were due to mixed infection of Malassezia pachydermatis and Gram +ve cocci/rods. German shepherd appeared to be more predisposed breed. The head shaking, ear scratching, pain on manipulation of pinna, excessive aural discharge were most common clinical features of otitis externa caused by mixed infection of yeast and microbes. Recovery was uneventful with ear flushing with saline, meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg b.wt.), enrofloxacin (@10 mg/kg b.wt.), ketoconazole @ 10 mg/kg b.wt. PO OD and topical application of ear drop containing antifungal, antibacterial and steroid.