Otoscopy and aural cytological findings in a population of rescue cats and cases in a referral small animal hospital in England and Wales

Objectives Otitis externa is seen clinically in cats, although studies investigating this condition within the UK are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis mites and microbial infection in the ear canals of cats in various rescue centres and a referral hospital. Methods Otoscopy was performed in 332 cats. Otoscopic findings were noted, including the gross visualisation of Otodectes species. A sample of cerumen was collected for cytological evaluation and a cerumen smear for detection of Otodectes mites if there was a large amount of aural exudate present. Results O cynotis infestation was noted in 3/341 cats (0.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–2.6). A total of 129/341 (37.8%; 95% CI 32.7–43.0) cats were found to have Malassezia species within one or both ears. Bacteria were found unilaterally in 9/341 (2.6%; 95% CI 1.4–4.9) cats. Analysis of the cytological findings showed an increased likelihood for Malassezia species to be present as age increased (n = 293; Pearson r = 0.204, P <0.001). There was also an increased likelihood of finding Malassezia species in both ears if found within one ear (n = 327; r = 0.499, P <0.001). There was a positive correlation between the number of Malassezia organisms and the quantity of aural exudate (n = 338; r = 0.778, P <0.001). Cats in which Otodectes species infestation were noted (n = 3) had moderate or large quantities of cerumen. Conclusions and relevance This study shows that there was a low prevalence of O cynotis in this cohort of cats. In normal cats it was not unusual to find Malassezia microorganisms upon aural cytology, bacteria were noted far less frequently and in two cats this was associated with underlying anatomical pathology.

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Prevalence of external ear disorders in Belgian stray cats

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x17700808 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 149-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anouck Bollez ◽

Hilde de Rooster ◽

Alessandra Furcas ◽

Sophie Vandenabeele

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Otitis Externa ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

External Ear ◽

Ear Canal ◽

Malassezia Species ◽

External Ear Canal ◽

Stray Cats ◽

Condition Score ◽

Ocular Discharge

Objectives Feline otitis externa is a multifactorial dermatological disorder about which very little is known. The objective of this study was to map the prevalence of external ear canal disorders and the pathogens causing otitis externa in stray cats roaming around the region of Ghent, Belgium. Methods One hundred and thirty stray cats were randomly selected during a local trap–neuter–return programme. All cats were European Shorthairs. This study included clinical, otoscopic and cytological evaluation of both external ears of each cat. Prospective data used as parameters in this study included the sex, age and body condition score of each cat, as well as the presence of nasal and/or ocular discharge, and the results of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) Snap tests. Results Remarkably, very few (sub)clinical problems of the external ear canal were found in the stray cat population. Malassezia species was by far the most common organism found in the external ear canals of the 130 stray cats. A total of 96/130 (74%) cats were found to have Malassezia species organisms present in one or both ears based on the cytological examination. No correlation was found between the parameters of sex, age, body condition score, the presence of nasal and/or ocular discharge and FIV and FeLV status, and the presence of parasites, bacteria or yeasts. Conclusions and relevance This study provides more information about the normal state of the external ear canal of stray cats. The ears of most stray cats are relatively healthy. The presence of Malassezia species organisms in the external ear canal is not rare among stray cats.

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Occurrence of Malassezia Species in Persian and Domestic Short Hair Cats with and without Otitis Externa

Journal of Veterinary Medical Science ◽

10.1292/jvms.09-0421 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 72 (3) ◽

pp. 293-296 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Hojjatollah SHOKRI ◽

AliReza KHOSRAVI ◽

MohammadAli RAD ◽

Shahram JAMSHIDI

Keyword(s):

Otitis Externa ◽

Short Hair ◽

Malassezia Species

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Necrotising (malignant) otitis externa in the UK: a growing problem. Review of five cases and analysis of national Hospital Episode Statistics trends

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s002221511500105x ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 129 (6) ◽

pp. 600-603 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

G Chawdhary ◽

N Liow ◽

J Democratis ◽

O Whiteside

Keyword(s):

Otitis Externa ◽

Severe Infection ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Catchment Population ◽

Malignant Otitis Externa ◽

The Mean ◽

The Uk ◽

High Index Of Suspicion ◽

Park Hospital

AbstractBackground:Necrotising (malignant) otitis externa is a severe infection causing temporal bone osteomyelitis. Although rare, our experience (reported herein) shows local doubling of cases in 2013. Hospital Episodes Statistics data for England over 14 years also indicate increased incidence nationally. Specific learning points in management are also discussed.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted of patients admitted in 2013 to Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, UK (catchment population, 450 000). In addition, the UK Government Hospital Episodes Statistics data were interrogated.Results:There were five cases of necrotising (malignant) otitis externa in 2013, representing a local doubling on previous years. The mean age of patients was 82 years. All cultures grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa; no isolates were antibiotic resistant. All patients responded to systemic anti-pseudomonals on clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters. Hospital Episodes Statistics data showed a six-fold increase in the number of cases from 1999 (n = 67) to 2013 (n = 421).Conclusion:Our experience suggests increasing necrotising (malignant) otitis externa incidence, and retrospective analysis of Hospital Episodes Statistics data supports this observation. Necrotising (malignant) otitis externa poses challenges in management, as exemplified in our cases, requiring a high index of suspicion and early aggressive treatment to achieve cure.

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Otodectic and bacterial etiology of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya

Open Veterinary Journal ◽

10.4314/ovj.v10i4.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 377-383

Author(s):

Murad A. Hiblu ◽

Omar M. Ellraiss ◽

Elfurgani S. Karim ◽

Rabia A. Elmishri ◽

Enass M. Duro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽

Otitis Externa ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Bacterial Isolates ◽

Disk Diffusion Method ◽

Parasite Detection ◽

Common Etiology ◽

Etiological Agents ◽

Staphylococcus Spp ◽

Otodectes Cynotis

Background: Feline otitis externa is a dermatological disorder with a multifactorial complex etiology.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different etiological agents, particularly the parasitic and bacterial, responsible for the cases of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial isolates from those cases.Methods: Cerumen and otic discharges of the suspected cats were collected for parasite detection and bacterial culture. Kirby–Bauer’s disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Results: The results showed that otodectic mites and bacterial causes were equally the most prevalent in those cases, with a prevalence of 47.1% each. Otodectes cynotis infestation was more frequently bilateral and severe. Staphylococcus spp. were the most prevalent among bacterial causes (75%), followed by Proteus spp. (16.6%) and Pseudomonas spp. (8.4%). Norfloxacin and gentamicin were the most effective antimicrobials against bacterial isolates, as they were effective against 83.3% and 70.8% of isolates, respectively.Conclusion: Otodectes cynotis infestation and staphylococcal infections constituted the most common etiology of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and norfloxacin represented a cogent antibacterial for the treatment of otitis externa.

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Otitis Externa In Man Caused By The Mite Otodectes Cynotis

The Laryngoscope ◽

10.1002/lary.1977.87.11.1938 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 87 (11) ◽

pp. 1938-1941 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Jef Van De Heyning ◽

Denis Thienpont

Keyword(s):

Otitis Externa ◽

Otodectes Cynotis

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Collaborative Care Improves Treatment Outcomes for Dogs with Chronic Otitis Externa: A Collaborative Care Coalition Study

Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association ◽

10.5326/jaaha-ms-7167 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Dawn Logas ◽

Elizabeth A. Maxwell

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Collaborative Care ◽

Medical Records ◽

Otitis Externa ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Median Number ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Treatment History ◽

Ear Canals

ABSTRACT The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare outcome measures in dogs treated by a primary care veterinarian (pcDVM) before referral and after seeking collaboration with a board-certified veterinary dermatologist (BCVD) for cases of severe recurrent chronic otitis externa. Medical records of 65 client-owned dogs were retrospectively reviewed, and data were obtained regarding treatment history, referral timeframe, recurrence rate, clinical signs, and resolution of signs. The median number of otitis recurrences while under the care of the pcDVM was 4 (range 1–40) versus collaborative BCVD care of 2 (P < .01). There was a longer median time to otitis recurrence with collaborative care (171 days) compared with dogs managed by the pcDVM before referral (21 days; P > .01). Proliferative changes in the ear canals improved in 41/45 (91%) of cases under BCVD care compared with 6/45 (13%) under care by the pcDVM (P < .01). Dogs with chronic otitis had better long-term outcomes when collaboration with a BCVD was pursued within 6 mo of treatment. Referral or consultation with a BCVD should be considered for cases of chronic canine otitis that are persistent or quickly recurrent (20–30 days) over a 6 mo period.

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HIV in UK Prisons: A Review of Seroprevalence, Transmission and Patterns of Risk

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/095646249500600602 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 387-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Simon P Curtis ◽

Anne Edwards

Keyword(s):

Drug Use ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Current Data ◽

Focused Attention ◽

Intravenous Drug Use ◽

Penal Institutions ◽

The Usa ◽

Partner Change ◽

The Uk ◽

Low Prevalence

Summary: Prisons contain individuals at high risk of HIV infection, notably through intravenous drug use. For complex political, social and legal reasons penal institutions in the UK are unable to provide condoms and clean needles. The outbreak of HIV and hepatitis B that occurred in a Scottish prison in 1993 focused attention on the potential problems. Debate about the issue is hampered by a lack of useful information. Current data about risk behaviour and seroprevalence is reviewed, and compared with experience in other countries. Injecting drug use in prison appears to be common, and the majority who inject in prison share equipment, which can be used many times. Sexual activity may be a smaller risk factor, but does occur between men in prison. In addition, prisoners appear to have high rates of partner change between sentences. The true prevalence of HIV in UK prisons is difficult to assess, but the available data suggest it is between 0.1 and 4.5%, lower than in Southern Europe and the USA. A window of opportunity still exists to prevent further outbreaks of HIV in UK penal institutions and to maintain these low prevalence rates. Strenuous, and possibly unpalatable measures are needed now.

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When is the Use of Race/Ethnicity Appropriate in Risk Assessment Tools for Preconceptual or Antenatal Genetic Screening and How Should it be Used?

Sociology ◽

10.1177/0038038513493537 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 47 (5) ◽

pp. 957-975 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Peter J Aspinall

Keyword(s):

Assessment Tools ◽

Antenatal Screening ◽

Jewish Women ◽

Tay Sachs Disease ◽

Risk Assessment Tools ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

The Uk ◽

Low Prevalence ◽

Laboratory Form ◽

And Training

In the UK a ‘Family Origin Questionnaire’ (FOQ) has been introduced as a decision-making tool primarily to identify partners of high risk status in ‘low prevalence’ areas in antenatal screening for haemoglobin variants. A ‘family origins’ laboratory form for Down’s syndrome antenatal screening has followed, with active consideration of Tay Sachs Disease antenatal/ pre-conception carrier screening for Ashkenazi Jewish women. Similar screening developments for the haemoglobinopathies and cystic fibrosis are occurring in other countries. It is timely to ask when and how categories based on family origin concepts should be operationalised and used to assess genetic risk, given the methodological uncertainties and potential risk of offence, essentialisation, discrimination and/or stigmatisation. The potential limitations of these tools are examined, including generic concepts, social sensitivities of language, issues of testing, implementation, and training, and time-limitedness of the categories, to assess where the balance lies between the benefits and disadvantages of such usage.

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Concurrent thoracic pathology identified with radiology in hyperthyroid cats referred for radioiodine therapy

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x19900408 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. 966-976

Author(s):

Foteini Kormpou ◽

Claudia Gil-Morales ◽

Chris Warren-Smith ◽

Angie Hibbert

Keyword(s):

Radioiodine Therapy ◽

Treatment Plan ◽

Patient Handling ◽

Thoracic Radiography ◽

Pretreatment Assessment ◽

The Uk ◽

Oesophageal Pathology ◽

Low Prevalence ◽

Pulmonary Abnormalities ◽

European College

Objectives Radioiodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism is becoming increasingly available in the UK. Pretreatment assessment is commonly performed, as patient handling is limited once RAI has been administered. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of thoracic pathology using thoracic radiography in hyperthyroid cats referred for RAI treatment and to determine the value of this technique pretreatment. Methods The hospital databases were searched for hyperthyroid cats referred for RAI treatment at the Feline Centre, Langford Vets, between January 2012 and July 2016. Radiographs were reviewed by Diplomates of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging at the time of treatment and each set of radiographs was subsequently reviewed by one radiologist for the study. Cardiorespiratory signs were recorded, if present, and any change in treatment plan or suitability for RAI treatment was documented. Results Two hundred and fifty-two cats were included in the study. Thoracic pathology was identified in 77% (n = 194/252) of the cats, of which 59% (n = 115/194) had pulmonary abnormalities with bronchial and bronchointerstitial patterns most frequently; 57% (n = 111/194) had skeletal abnormalities and 43% (n = 84/194) had cardiac abnormalities, with mild-to-moderate cardiomegaly most prevalent. Other abnormalities included sternal lymphadenomegaly (7%; n = 13/194), mediastinal pathology (3%; n = 5/194), oesophageal pathology (2%; n = 4/194) and pleural space disease (0.5%; n = 1/194).Twelve cases (6%) had a change in their treatment plan as a result of thoracic radiographic abnormalities, of which five subsequently underwent RAI treatment. Conclusions and relevance A low prevalence of significant thoracic pathology was identified on radiographs in hyperthyroid cats referred for RAI treatment. Incidental thoracic abnormalities were found much more commonly; hence, results of thoracic radiology need to be combined with the clinical picture, to decide whether further investigations or alterations to the treatment plan are required pre-RAI.

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