Ear exam

What shape is the small animal ear canal?

L‑shaped.

What are the two sections of the ear canal?

Vertical canal and horizontal canal.

What cartilage supports the ear canal?

Auricular cartilage.

What is the external visible part of the ear called?

The pinna.

What structure separates the external and middle ear?

The tympanic membrane.

What color is a normal tympanic membrane?

Gray to white.

What does an intact tympanic membrane indicate?

The eardrum is not ruptured.

What does a ruptured tympanic membrane indicate?

The eardrum has been damaged or perforated.

What is the purpose of a gram stain in ear diagnostics?

To identify bacteria and yeast.

What type of bacteria stain gram positive?

Gram positive bacteria.

What type of bacteria stain gram negative?

Gram negative bacteria.

What type of organism is Malassezia on gram stain?

Gram positive yeast.

What does an ear smear help identify?

Ear mites, ova, and adults.

What is the purpose of culture and sensitivity testing?

Identify the organism and antibiotic susceptibility.

What are common signs of otitis externa?

Red ears, rubbing head, shaking head, odor, discharge, pain, fever.

What conformational factors predispose animals to otitis externa?

Floppy ears and narrow canals.

How does moisture contribute to otitis externa?

Swimmers and wet ears increase risk.

What is the most common underlying cause of otitis externa?

Allergies.

What parasite commonly causes otitis externa?

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis).

What fungus commonly causes otitis externa?

Malassezia pachydermatis (yeast)

What bacteria commonly cause otitis externa?

Staphylococcus, E. coli, Pseudomonas.

What should be examined externally during an ear exam?

Ear margins, pinna, alopecia, ectoparasites, growths, cartilage.

What should be examined internally during an ear exam?

Ear canals, epithelium, hyperemia, thickening, canal diameter, debris, tympanic membrane.

When is ear cleaning performed?

In conjunction with treatment or in high‑risk dogs.

What is the proper technique for ear cleaning?

Fill canal, massage, wipe out excess.

What is the purpose of drying solutions?

Reduce moisture in the ear canal.

What is acommon otitis medication containing momentasone and clotrimazole?

Mometamax.

What are the active ingredients in Tresaderm?

Thiabendazole, neomycin, dexamethasone.

What are the active ingredients in Baytril Otic?

Enrofloxacin and silver sulfadiazine.

What are the active ingredients in Gentocin Otic?

Gentocin and betamethasone.

What causes an aural hematoma?

Rupture of a vessel in the pinna, often secondary to otitis.

What does an aural hematoma look like?

A small to large fluid‑filled swelling.

How are aural hematomas treated?

Surgical techniques, antibiotics, and treating underlying otitis externa.

What is a lateral ear resection used for?

Chronic ear infections with minimal epithelial and cartilage changes.

What is another name for a lateral ear resection?

Zepp or LaCroix procedure.

What is a total ear ablation considered?

A salvage procedure for end‑stage ears.

What complication can occur after total ear ablation?

Facial nerve paralysis.