The dvm360 toolkit: Otitis

Click to download a PDF version of this toolkit.

Otitis is both a small problem and a big one. Your veterinary hospital likely sees so many of these cases, and yet, despite your best efforts, you see the same pets again and again. You know it, we know it-communication about otitis, its treatment and its ongoing management is something you talk about seemingly every day. 

This year, approach some of your routine diagnoses and see whether your hospital is missing the chance to soothe pain, verify a shaky diagnosis or better treat this condition. This is about using tools and bonding with your client by educating them and offering solid recommendations within your hospital, even if it's “just” an ear infection.

Start here! 

Managing otitis cases in the clinic

> Overcoming your three biggest obstacles when treating otitis externa 

> Here's an idea: Start otitis exams in the waiting room-really!

> Chronic otitis in dogs: Your own clinical consult from veterinary dermatologists around the country who specialize in otitis diagnosis and treatment

> Handouts:

For the team: How to teach clients to clean dogs' ears

For your clients: Fight ear infection fiction

Clinical updates

> New study: Updates on breed disposition for ear and skin issues (or, why chocolate might be especially bad for Labs' health)

> Are pet owners skipping the DVM and heading to Dr. Google for dermatology issues? We've got the data that illuminates the differences between you and your clients

Team tools everyone can use

> A moment of insight on otitis

> Dig into these otitis tips from Instagram

> PLUS! Pre-written posts and tweets about otitis externa (use these to educate your client base!)

More otitis tools...

> This DVM had an otitis case that changed her entire approach to running her clinic. Read her story here. 

> When it comes to otitis and other dermatology conditions, pet owners aren't always on the same page as veterinary staff. Do you know where clients get their info on pets' skin? 

> 5 hard truths about ears. (Alternatively, if you want better otitis patient management in your practice, you have to listen to the vet techs.)

> Sample script: How to pitch clients on otitis rechecks

> Client handout: Types of otitis and what to watch for

> Otitis again?! An infection's recurrent nature stems from the many factors at play in the patient's ears. Here's what to note in the exam room to keep on top of it and stop the cycle. 

> How to make a great impression! Here's to putting your best cytology slide forward. 

> Ears and allergies: A common couple in vet med.

> Treating canine otitis: So many options, how do I choose?

> DYK? Photobiomodulation therapy can treat otitis 

> Quandary: To pluck or not to pluck hair in the ear? 

More otitis tools ....

> Do you or your team members need a refresher on the basics? Here are 5 tips to tackle otitis externa

> Use these tips to deal with the "ugh"s and "why"s of chronic otitis

>Pain, otitis and anxiety can make for a tough combination in your patients. Read on for tips and tricks worth listening to.

Cytologies and more

> Are you interested in cutaneous cytology but unsure of how best to collect samples? You're in luck! Read on for this practical guide to get you swabbing ears and tail folds in no time

> Use your eyes to detect lies about ears: Here's how to involve clients, set expectations and rock the recheck

Data on how your peers treat otitis

> We look at what's going on between your ears when it comes to otitis management

Fab client-education handouts

> Tell your clients what you're going to ask them: The ear disease edition

Tips for techs

> Ear detectives: To get to the bottom of a tough otitis presentation in a patient, it's time for technicians to perform a little sleuthing

Plus! How to stop the perpetual otitis resurgence

More otitis tools...

> Otitis externa management: You could be doing it wrong.

From "that smell" to potential ear hematomas and ablations, otitis externa can be a clinical challenge for any veterinary practitioner to manage. Wayne Rosenkrantz, DVM, DACVD, answers some of the most common questions about his approach to the management of this odorous condition.

> Tips to keep otitis from being a total pain in the ear? Sounds good.

Ear infections totally suck (and, um, stink, while we're at it). Get clients on board with better care, and together you'll make otitis ear-relevant. (Sorry. Had to.)

> Just Ask the Expert: How do you manage ceruminous otitis in cats?

Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Paul Bloom tackles this reader question.

PLUS!

Client handouts

> What to know about otitis externa

> How to handle hearing loss in dogs

Pictorial guide

> Listen up! Low-stress ear cleaning

We're all ears to hear this five-step lower stress approach to cleaning a pet's ears in veterinary practice.

Expert audio clips from Dr. Paul Bloom

> Dogs are liars: Tips on what to do even when the client swears the dog isn't showing clinical signs of otitis.

> We're undertreating ears and it's (partly) our fault: A few ways you can get better at rechecks.

> Ear problems make you wanna shoot yourself: An impromptu script on talking to clients about ear issues.

> Quit plucking that hair: This is why. 

Last but not least!

> 5 takeaway tips for veterinary teams managing nasty ear cases.