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).

Feline otitis requires video-otoscopy and advanced imaging to identify age-related primary causes and guide treatment.

This retrospective study reviewed 103 feline otitis cases from a French veterinary teaching hospital dermatology service between September 2020 and March 2022. Certain breeds were significantly overrepresented, including Maine Coon, Sphynx, Turkish Angora, and Selkirk Rex. A bimodal age distribution was observed, with peaks in cats under 6 years and between 12 and 14 years. The majority of cases (71.8%) were chronic. A primary underlying cause was identified in 66% of cases, with feline atopic syndrome, inflammatory polyps, neoplasia, isolated otitis media, and otoacariasis being most common. Inflammatory polyps were more prevalent in younger cats, while neoplasia predominated in older individuals. Suppurative otitis was identified in 40.8% of cases and was most commonly associated with inflammatory polyps, otitis media, and neoplasia. Staphylococcus spp. was the predominant organism on bacterial culture (84.6%). Video-otoscopy demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for detecting inflammatory polyps and otoacariasis, supporting its role as a key diagnostic tool. The authors emphasize that a comprehensive diagnostic approach—incorporating video-otoscopy, cytology, culture, and advanced imaging—is essential for identifying age-related primary causes and guiding appropriate treatment. These findings highlight the complexity of feline otitis and the importance of thorough workup beyond clinical examination alone.

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