Epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of feline otitis: a retrospective study of 103 cases from the dermatology service of a veterinary teaching hospital (2020‐2022)

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, diagnostic findings and underlying causes of feline otitis in cases presented to a French veterinary teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of cats diagnosed with otitis by the dermatology department of a veterinary teaching hospital between September 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, clinical history, video-otoscopic findings, cytology, imaging and histopathology results were collected. RESULTS: A total of 103 cats were diagnosed with otitis. Maine Coon, Sphynx, Turkish Angora and Selkirk Rex cats were significantly overrepresented. Age distribution showed increased case numbers in cats younger than 6 years, with another peak at 12 to 14 years of age. Chronic otitis represented 71.8% of cases. A primary cause was identified in 66.0% of cases, most frequently feline atopic syndrome, inflammatory polyps, neoplasia, isolated otitis media and otoacariasis. Staphylococcus spp. predominated in cultures (84.6%). Suppurative otitis was identified in 42 cats (40.8%). Video-otoscopy demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for inflammatory polyps and otoacariasis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Feline otitis was predominantly chronic, with inflammatory polyps most commonly identified in younger cats and neoplasia in older cats; suppurative otitis was frequent and mainly associated with inflammatory polyps, otitis media and neoplasia. These findings emphasise the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach to feline otitis, incorporating video-otoscopy and advanced imaging to identify age-related primary causes and guide clinical decision-making.