The ear canal is merely a specialised extension of the skin. Otitis externa, which can be defined as inflammation of the skin of the external ear canal, is therefore a skin disease.
Otitis externa is a very common diagnosis in small animal practice. In a recent study, otitis or infection with the ear mite Otodectes cynotis was the final diagnosis in 5% of all canine consultations and 2% of all feline consultations.1
Although otitis externa is a common presentation it can (as with many types of skin disease) be a challenging and sometimes frustrating disease to manage. Successful management can involve long term, or even lifelong, treatment and requires a high level of owner commitment and a good relationship between the owner and veterinary surgeon.
1 = Hill, P.B. et al. Veterinary Record (2006); 158: 533-539
