Archive Case #41: Canine Otitis Externa

Clinical Clues

1. A dog is presented for persistent head shaking and scratching at one ear.
2. The owner reports a strong smell from the ear and increasing discomfort when it is touched.
3. The affected pinna is erythematous from self-trauma.
4. Otoscopic examination reveals a swollen vertical canal containing dark debris.
5. Cytology identifies large numbers of inflammatory cells and yeast organisms.
6. Inflammation of the external ear canal commonly produces pain, odour, discharge, and head shaking in dogs.

Diagnosis

Canine Otitis Externa

This case is most consistent with Canine Otitis Externa because the dog has painful ear canal inflammation with discharge and characteristic cytology. The most important clues are the malodorous debris, canal swelling, and head shaking, which strongly support an external ear canal disorder.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.