Prevalence of otitis externa in stray cats in northern Italy

Abstract

Feline otitis externa is a dermatological disorder that has not been evaluated much in stray cats. One hundred and eighty-seven stray cats were randomly selected during a trap-neuter-release programme to investigate the prevalence of otitis externa in stray cat colonies in northern Italy. Swabs for cytological examination were obtained from the external ear canal of each cat. A direct otoscopic assessment of the external ear canal was made in 86/187 cats. Cytological evidence of otitis externa was present in 55.1% of cats. The influence on otitis of age, gender, habitat and season of sampling was tested, but no risk factors were found. Otodectes cynotis (as a sole agent or in combination) was the primary cause of otitis in 53.3% of cats. Cocci and rods, either alone or in combination with other agents, were perpetuating factors in 71.8% and 29.1% of cats, respectively. Pregnancy status was a risk factor for otitis caused by coccal infections. Malassezia species, alone or in combination, was the perpetuating factor in 50.5% of cats with otitis. Urban habitat and winter season were risk factors for otitis associated with Malassezia species. Demodex cati was identified as an incidental finding in two cats. There was good agreement between otoscopy and cytology with regard to the diagnosis of otitis externa. The results of this study show a high prevalence of otitis externa in stray colony cats and provide information on causal factors for feline otitis externa.

Biology, diagnosis and treatment ofMalasseziadermatitis in dogs and cats Clinical Consensus Guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology

“…Some feline cases of otitis externa are associated with Malassezia yeasts as the sole pathogen, whereas concurrent bacteria and/or Otodectes cynotis mites are commonly identified. Affected cats usually present with excessive dark to black waxy to flaky exudate, erythema, with variable otalgia, canal wall hyperplasia, pruritus and odour .…”

Evidence‐based veterinary dermatology: a review of published studies of treatments forOtodectes cynotis(ear mite) infestation in cats

“…Otodectes cynotis (ear mite) is a psoroptid mite that accounts for 50–80% of cases of otitis externa in cats . It is highly contagious via direct contact with infested animals.…”

“…Otodectes cynotis (ear mite) is a psoroptid mite that accounts for 50-80% of cases of otitis externa in cats. [1][2][3][4] It is highly contagious via direct contact with infested animals. Otodectes cynotis can also infest hosts including dogs, foxes, ferrets and occasionally humans.…”

Efficacy of fluralaner spot-on solution for the treatment of Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis mixed infestation in naturally infested cats

“…On the other hand O. cynotis is responsible for feline otodectic mange, in 50–80% of cases of otitis externa [7] and is present in up to 66% of these in cats [8, 9]. Ear mite infestation in cats may be complicated by secondary bacterial and fungal infection such as Staphylococcus spp.…”