Comparação de diferentes técnicas para o diagnóstico da otite média em gatos assintomáticos

Abstract

Otitis, by definition, is inflammation of the ear canal and can be classified into external, middle and internal otitis. Otitis externa is a term used when only the external canal, outside the tympanic membrane, is involved. When the eardrum and the tympanic bulla are affected, the term otitis media is used. Internal otitis involves damage to the hearing aid. Otitis in cats may, in general, be a challenging clinical problem for veterinarians and tutors since affected animals may be asymptomatic or present intense discomfort characterized by pain, head wiggles and neurological symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of otitis media in asymptomatic cats from the laboratory of Experimental Chemotherapy in Veterinary Parasitology (LQEPV UFRRJ), using conventional otoscopy, video otoscopy, simple radiography and ultrasonography of tympanic bulls. In order to perform the diagnostic exams, there was a need for sedation of 40 felines, when the tests were performed once in the 80 ears. The results demonstrated that among the techniques tested, conventional otoscopy should be discouraged as the only diagnostic method due to the high incidence of the presence of cerumen blocking the visualization of the tympanic membrane. Video otoscopy has a diagnostic value greater than conventional otoscopy, allowing ear washing and removal of obstructions that make it difficult to view the tympanic membrane. There was no difference in the results obtained by radiography and ultrasonography. We conclude that the best diagnostic technique for otitis media in asymptomatic cats is the combination of diagnostic tests.