Diagnostic testing enables our team to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms, diagnosing their condition(s). We want our pet parents to be involved in the decision-making process, and we thoroughly discuss the diagnostic testing we recommend for your pet and their diagnostic test results. Personalizing your pet’s diagnostic plan ensures we avoid unnecessary tests and procedures while leading us to a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Overview

Ear Swab Cytology

Otitis externa is a common problem in dogs and cats, and an ear swab cytology is a crucial tool for assessing and managing recurrent ear infections. Ear cytology should be performed for every pet with otitis and at each follow-up examination to evaluate the response to therapy, adjust treatment if necessary, and determine when therapy can be stopped. Depending on the duration of therapy, a Pet Health veterinarian should repeat the cytology every 2-4 weeks until the otitis is resolved.

Microscopic examination is an effective method for evaluating bacteria, yeast, parasites, and the presence of inflammatory cells. It is not unusual for a patient to present with a mixed bacterial and yeast infection. The most common bacteria in ears are cocci (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus) and rods (Pseudomonas, Proteus). If rods are found, this can indicate a Pseudomonas infection which can be resistant to many topical medications. Malassezia pachydermatis is the most common budding organism found in canine ears. An occasional keratinocyte is to be expected, but in high numbers, they may indicate seborrhea. The most common parasite, usually found in dark-brown crumbly discharge within the ear canal (especially in cats), is the ear mite Otodectes cynotis.