Otitis Externa And Otitis Media In Cats In Assiut: A Retrospective Study Of Presenting Signs, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

This retrospective study reviewed 76 cases of feline otitis externa and media at the Small Animal Clinic, Assiut University, from 2007-2011. The most common signs were head shaking, itching, and ear wax (67.11%), with severe inflammation and alopecia around the ear pinna in 21.05% of cases. Turkish Angora and Persian breeds were over-represented. Treatments included ivermectin injections and topical antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory ear drops. 67.11% of treated cases fully recovered, while 32.89% lacked follow-up data. The study emphasized the importance of identifying primary, predisposing, and perpetuating factors, with otoscopic examination as the initial diagnostic step.