Background The diagnosis of otoacariasis due to Otodectes cynotis is based on the visualization of the parasite, either directly by otoscopy or indirectly after microscopic examination of cerumen collected by several methods. Objectives To compare the sensitivity of three techniques: conventional handheld otoscopy, Volkmann's curette sampling and cotton‐tipped swabbing. Animals Five dogs and 12 cats (30 naturally infested ears). Methods and materials For each case, following otoscopy, the order of examinations (swab or curette) was chosen randomly and the samples were observed on a slide mixed with lactophenol and covered with a coverslip. Parasite detection was noted as positive or negative and parasitic stages were counted separately. Results The diagnostic sensitivity of otoscopy alone was 67% (positive in 20 of 30 cases), using the curette sampling it was 93% (28/30) and 57% (17/30) for the swabbing. The curette technique had a significantly higher sensitivity than classic ear‐swabbing (P = 0.001) or otoscopy alone (P = 0.02). Combining otoscopy and the curette, we obtained a sensitivity of 100% compared to 86% when otoscopy and swabbing were combined. Moreover, the parasite count in the curette samples (average 25 ± 30 SD) was significantly higher than the swab samples (4.5 ± 11) (P < 0.001). Conclusions and clinical importance When suspecting O. cynotis infestation, otoscopic examination should be performed. To confirm the nature of the parasites observed or whenever this examination result is negative, doubtful or cannot be performed, the curettage sampling method for microscopic cerumen examination is recommended.

Introduction: Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form. There is a wide range of molecules effective against sarcoptic mange, but the treatment is very challenging due to the lack of efficiency and absorption.Methods: Two cases from two different animal populations were described. A female alpaca from Romania with dermatological problems on the ears and two adult llamas, from Italy, both with intense pruritus. Combined treatment with amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin was administered for the alpaca, and 2% moxidectin was given to the llamas.Results: In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. For the alpaca, negative scrapings were found only after 8 weeks of combined treatment. For the llamas, after four doses of subcutaneous moxidectin, no mites were detected in scrapings and lively hair regrowth of previously alopecic areas was visible.Conclusion: This paper aimed to present two clinical scenarios of sarcoptic mange in camelids, successfully treated with a combination of ectocides (topical amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin) and 2% subcutaneous moxidectin, respectively.

Canine squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cutaneous neoplasm in dogs. Treatment options are limited. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment for many types of tumours. To describe the use of ECT as treatment for generalised cSCC. An adult dog (four years old) was diagnosed with generalised cSCC. There were 24 tumours with the size range of 0.3–3 cm. The biopsy revealed an infiltrate rich in epithelial squamous cells, associated with pyogranulomatous inflammation. ECT was elected as treatment of choice. Cisplatin was injected intratumorously. After five minutes, the electric pulses were applied. The complete tumour regression was noted four weeks after. The dog was still in complete remission, 20 months later. This is the first case reporting a complete long-term remission using ECT for generalised cSCC.