Ear infections are common ailments in pets, causing discomfort and sometimes serious health issues if left untreated. Accurately diagnosing the problem triggering the infection is key to successful treatment. Without a correct diagnosis and therapy, pets can be left to suffer from chronic ear issues. At Cupertino Animal Hospital, our team employs myriad advanced diagnostic techniques to ensure we obtain the correct ear infection diagnosis. Here are some of the methods we use to diagnose ear infection in pets.

Otic exams in pets

In most veterinary practices, an otic exam is completed using a handheld otoscope. Here at Cupertino Animal Hospital, Dr. Kureshi employs a KARL STORZ endoscope to achieve incredible visualization with clarity and definition that is more than 100 times better than that of traditional equipment. 

This otoscopy set is designed for use in awake and anesthetized pets, so we can use the endoscope during your pet’s initial otic exam without sedation. The unique shape and adapted length also allow us to perform thorough exams in dogs with long ear passages, ensuring we do not miss any problems deep within the ear.

The endoscope is equipped with a light source and a tiny camera at the tip, allowing for real-time ear canal and tympanic membrane visualization on the video monitor. Throughout the otoscopic exam, we can capture images or video footage of the ear canal and tympanic membrane for documentation and reference, showing pet owners firsthand what we see. By getting a magnified view of the ear structures, we can detect issues such as inflammation, swelling, foreign objects, excessive wax buildup, or eardrum perforation or thickening.

Ear cytology in pets

Ear cytology is a cornerstone diagnostic test for ear infections in pets. During this procedure, we collect an ear discharge or debris sample using a cotton swab or ear cytology loop. The sample is then spread onto a microscope slide, stained, and examined under a microscope.

Microscopic examination allows us to identify the type and quantity of microorganisms present in the ear canal, including bacteria, yeast, or mites. Ear cytology also provides valuable information about the inflammation’s severity, epithelial or inflammatory cells’ presence, and any other ear canal abnormalities. 

Culture and sensitivity testing for ear infections in pets

If initial treatment fails to resolve the infection or if the infection is recurrent, we will recommend culture and sensitivity testing. This test involves collecting an ear discharge sample and sending it to a diagnostic laboratory for analysis. During culture testing, the sample is plated onto various culture media and incubated to encourage microorganism growth. The resulting bacterial or fungal colonies are then identified using biochemical tests or molecular techniques.

Once the microorganisms are identified, sensitivity testing is performed to determine their susceptibility to different antibiotics or antifungal agents. This helps Dr. Kureshi select the most effective medication for treating the specific pathogens causing the infection. Culture and sensitivity testing is particularly valuable for guiding chronic or recurrent ear infection treatment. This testing is also beneficial for diagnosing suspected bacterial resistance or mixed infections involving multiple microorganisms.

Diagnostic imaging for ear infections in pets

In some cases, diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans are necessary to evaluate the extent of the ear structures’ damage or to identify underlying causes such as tumors or polyps. X-rays provide detailed images of a pet’s skull and ear anatomy, allowing Dr. Kureshi to check for abnormalities such as ear canal thickening, bone density changes, or foreign objects. CT scans offer cross-sectional ear structure images with higher resolution and detail than conventional X-rays. This imaging modality is particularly useful for assessing soft tissue abnormalities, such as masses or fluid accumulation, and for surgical planning in complex cases. While diagnostic imaging is not always required for routine ear infections, these diagnostics may be recommended in situations where the infection is severe, chronic, or associated with complicating factors that warrant further investigation.

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for alleviating discomfort, preventing complications, and promoting optimal ear health in pets. If your four-legged friend is suffering from chronic ear infections, an in-depth look is warranted to get to the root of the problem. Give our Cupertino Animal Hospital team a call to schedule an appointment so we can take a deeper look into your pet’s ears.