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Otitis externa treatment can lead to yeast overgrowth, study finds
“It was most gratifying to be able to confirm our previous observations by use of semi-quantitative cultures” – Ross Bond.
Antibiotic use led to increases in Malassezia pachydermatis.

Scientists are advising veterinary surgeons to monitor for yeast overgrowth in patients that are treated with antibiotics for otitis externa, following a new study.

Although the findings of the research were expected, the phenomenon had not previously been well described in veterinary literature.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) studied 29 dogs treated with fluoroquinolone or piperacillin-tazobactam for bacterial otitis externa. The dogs were mostly referred with chronic otitis externa after unsuccessful treatment using licensed products.

Ear swabs were taken before and after treatment for cytological evaluation and semi-quantitative culture.

Although bacteria counts significantly decreased after treatment, otic yeast increased, especially Malassezia pachydermatis. This outcome was more common in cases treated with piperacillin-tazobactam.

The researchers believe that increases in yeast were seen because of the antibacterial treatment suppressing bacteria that normally compete with yeast growth and inhibit it.

Further research is needed to find out if antifungal drugs or antiseptic ear rinses can be used to prevent fungal growth when antibiotics are used to treat otitis externa.

Ross Bond, professor of veterinary dermatology at RVC and corresponding author of the study, said: “We are very grateful to BSAVA PetSavers for kindly funding this study and to the owners of the dogs for agreeing to participate.

“It was most gratifying to be able to confirm our previous observations by use of semi-quantitative cultures.

“Our next goal is to find treatment protocols that prevent the fungal dysbiosis without compromising the efficacy of the antibacterial therapy in these very difficult ear cases.”

The study has been published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.