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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
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."