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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.