Successful Management of Refractory Otitis Media Using Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy in a Dog.

BACKGROUND

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is a highly effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. In humans, it has been reported to be significantly more effective than medication alone for the treatment of otitis media. ASIT can also be used in dogs, but it is not typically the first-line treatment for otitis externa and media.

OBJECTIVES

This case report describes the successful management of refractory otitis media in a dog with frequent abscess recurrence following total ear canal ablation (TECA) using ASIT.

METHODS

A 9-year-old spayed female American Cocker Spaniel presented with a head tilt and a recurrent abscess adjacent to the left TECA site. A dermatological examination revealed secondary pyoderma. In open-mouth view radiography and CT, fluid in the tympanic bullae and lysis of the tympanic bullae wall were observed. The TECA was repeated twice and anti-inflammatory medication was administered, but the lesions reappeared. As a fundamental treatment, ASIT was included in the therapy.

RESULTS

After ASIT, the symptoms did not reoccur, even though the use of prednisolone was gradually reduced and discontinued over a period of two months. Currently, only ASIT has demonstrated progress in managing the patient's condition, even a year after discontinuing other medications. The patient's symptoms have not recurred and are well managed.

CONCLUSIONS

A case of refractory otitis media, induced by atopic dermatitis, was effectively managed with ASIT over a prolonged period in a dog.