Acute, painful ear infections are common and stressful for pet owners, and chronic, relapsing otitis externa is frustrating for owners and the veterinary team. This discussion will review where many of these frustrations stem from and provide helpful tools for relief, such as Fear Free techniques and communication tools. Addressing and preventing relapse of otitis externa involves a thorough understanding of Primary causes of otitis externa, common Secondary infections and sampling techniques, Perpetuating factors that occur with chronicity which make resolution of infection more challenging, and Predisposing issues that put animals with primary diseases at a higher risk of relapse. Treatments for allergic dermatitis, a common primary trigger for otitis externa, will be discussed to help select the most effective therapy while minimizing risks.
