Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Otitis Media in Cats.

Otitis media results from a multitude of factors that cause inflammation of the lining of the tympanic cavity and/or structures of the middle ear, including infections, middle ear polyps, and neoplasms. Cats with otitis media can be asymptomatic or exhibit clinical signs of otitis externa, neurologic deficits, or upper respiratory tract disease. A therapeutic challenge is presented by cats' unique, almost complete, septum bulla in the ventral cavity of the middle ear. Diagnosis of otitis media relies on visualization of material in the middle ear by otoscopy or imaging. Treatment requires management of the underlying cause as well as removal of the material in the middle ear by minimally invasive (e.g., myringotomy and bulla lavage) or surgical (e.g., ventral bulla osteotomy) techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]