Understanding of Microbial Causes, Clinicopathological Evaluation, Molecular Analysis, and Associated Risk Factors of Ear Infections in Dogs

Objective: Dog ear infections can have a variety of multifactorial causes, some of which are regarded as zoonotic. Thus, the present study was aimed at understanding the microbial causes, clinical evaluation, molecular analysis and associated risk factors of ear infections in dogs for their management. Methods: A total of 167 dogs were screened for ear infections based on history and clinical signs. An auricular swab was collected and processed with standard methods. Head tilting to the afflicted side, ear pain when palpated, pawing at the ear and purulent discharges from the ear canal were typical clinical symptoms. Results: A total of 13.77% of dogs were positive for ear infection, and among these, 13.17% showed unilateral right-sided ear infections. Dogs with pendulous ears (56.52%), Labrador breeds (34.78%), males (56.52%), dogs older than 4 years (52.17%), and during the monsoon season (65.21%) had higher rates of ear infections among the total dogs screened (n = 167) for aural infections. Anaemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and elevated levels of total protein, cholesterol, BUN, and AST were observed in dogs with ear infections. Cytological analyses showed the presence of yeast cells and bacteria, along with hyperkeratosis and degenerated neutrophils. Mammaliicoccus sciuri, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Malassezia spp. were the organisms isolated. Bacterial isolates showed high sensitivity to gentamicin for the otitis treatment. Clinical Significance: This study highlights the need for preventive measures to curb the spread of potentially zoonotic pathogens such as Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella aerogenes, which can pose significant threats to both human and animal health.