Clinical and pathological features of two cases of erythematous‐ceruminous otitis externa associated with <i>Candida</i> spp. infection in dogs

Abstract Erythematous‐ceruminous otitis externa is a common presentation of otitis externa in dogs and is usually associated with Malassezia or bacterial overgrowth. This report aims to describe two cases of unilateral erythematous‐ceruminous otitis externa associated with Candida spp. infection. A 2‐year‐old goldendoodle (Case 1) and a 4‐year‐old Jack Russell terrier (Case 2) were presented with unilateral erythematous‐ceruminous otitis externa of several months of evolution. Cytology revealed yeast structures suggestive of Candida in both cases. Candida rugosa (Case 1) and Candida albicans (Case 2) were cultured from the ear canals. Treatment with 2% voriconazole drops applied every 12 hours for 20 days in both cases led to complete resolution in case 2, whereas in the other dog a partial response was only observed. In case 1 cure was obtained after a local treatment with otological drops containing nystatin. Candida spp. should be considered in cases of chronic ECOE in dogs and may be difficult to treat, especially in non‐albicans Candida species.