Retrospective evaluation of antimicrobial resistance test findings in dogs and cats diagnosed with ear infection

In dogs and cats, the ear canal, a part of the outer ear responsible for sound transmission, often becomes inflamed, leading to otitis externa. Typical symptoms include head shaking, odor, redness, swelling, itching, discharge, scaly skin, and the pinnal-pedal reflex. Causes range from bacteria, yeasts, parasites, and foreign objects to allergies or deeper middle ear infections. The ear canal's shape may also predispose dogs to this condition more than other animals. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial to control inflammation and prevent relapses. The research includes diagnosis of ear infection, evaluation of cat and antibiogram results, determination of the most effective and least effective antimicrobial agent as a result of various comparisons, updating of the registered agents that most commonly cause ear diseases, and examination of the approach to ear diseases. This study compared antibiogram results from ear samples of 90 cats and dogs. It found that bacteria in the ear's natural flora often cause various diseases. Increasing antibiotic resistance complicates treatment. The study identified Staphylococcus sp. as the principal bacterium, responsible for about 90% of cases. This bacterium, part of the normal flora of cats and dogs, is greatly influenced by environmental conditions. This highlights the need to consider external factors in diagnosing and treating infections. The most effective antimicrobial agents against the bacteria identified in the study were determined based on resistance testing. Although resistance has not developed to different drug groups, it has been determined that resistance has developed to many drug groups. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the critical role of flora bacteria in diseases and the significant impact of antimicrobial resistance on treatment outcomes. The high prevalence of Staphylococcus sp. and its sensitivity to environmental conditions should guide future management of bacterial infections in companion animals. Effective antimicrobial stewardship and ongoing research into resistance patterns are essential to maintaining and improving treatment efficacy. This is vital to avoid jeopardizing the treatment process.