Pseudomonas Otitis

Susan Paterson, MA, VetMB, DVD, MRCVS, Diplomate ECVD,
Rutland House Veterinary Hospital, Merseyside, United Kingdom

DEFINITION
Pseudomonas otitis results from infection with the gram-negative bacillus Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is a common cause of chronic otitis in dogs but rarely causes otitis in cats. Infection with Pseudomonas is recognized as being a perpetuating factor in otitis externa; therefore, identifying an underlying cause for the disease is just as important as diagnosis and treatment.

PATHOPHYSLOLOGY
The pathophysiologic changes that occur in chronic otitis predispose the animal to Pseudomonas infection. inflammation itself does not lead to infection. in acute disease, dermal edema, altered barrier function, and changes in cerumen composition lead to increased numbers of bacteria in the ear canal, typically creating a shift toward coagulase-positive staphylococci.

NAVC Clinician's Brief, June 2010

Read full article (PDF)