Yeast infection

Is yeast infection appear just in ears?

[Brian C Hurley, D.V.M.]

Yeast Infection in the Ears

Good morning.  Sorry to hear your cat has been diagnosed with a yeast infection in her ears.  I am glad to see that an ear cytology was run.  An ear cytology is important with any ear infection to help the veterinarian determine the cause of the problem.  The simple answer to your question is YES, yeast infections can occur in just the ears.  The ear canal is simply an extension of the skin that is formed into a tube with a vertical and horizontal canal.

The three most common organisms we see in the ear are as follows:  

1. Staphylococcus spp. (cocci)
2. Pseudomonas spp. (rods)
3. Malassezia pachydermatis (yeast)

These three organisms may occur as a single entity or in combination with each other.

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

I agree with Dr. Hurley, and I would add that if a pet's ear infection (bacterial or yeast) becomes chronic or recurrent, then an underlying cause must be present, such as ear mites, food allergy, pollen/dust allergies, or ear canal mass or polyp. The yeast are normal organisms in low numbers in all animals, but the underlying disease makes the yeast overgrow, creating infection.
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD

[MIkeGabriel]

Our Rottie Daisy is almost 2, and is otherwise healthy but has recurring ear infections in the summer. She is in the pool very often, and are attributing it to the frequent moisture in her ears. In the winter, it's almost non-existent. In the summer I clean her ears regularly, and Otomax cure flare-ups quickly.

Here's the problem: Last week she developed a hot spot on her cheek. I shaved the area, cleaned and disinfected, and treated with apple cider vinegar to dry it out. It has stopped oozing, and has scabbed over, and appears to be healing fine.
Here's the Q: Does the same bacteria from the ear infections cause this? Do you think they are related?

Oddly enough, the hot spot appeared under the cleaner of her two ears.

Thanks!

[Brian C Hurley, D.V.M.]

Hi,

That is a good follow up question and I am sorry it took me so long to respond.  Think of the ear canal as an extension of the skin.  Staph is a common bacteria found in both the ears and on the skin.  Staph is also responsible for causing hot spots.

However, hot spots, or pyotraumatic dermatitis, is the result of scratching, licking, rubbing, or chewing.  The hot spot could occur on the face during an ear infection because your pet is more likely to be scratching or rubbing at the ears, even if the infection is only on one side.  As a side note, often times, what looks like only one infected ear, may be both.  It is difficult to assess the horizontal canal of pets without a scope.  The good ear may be infected as well but is not easily visible.

I hope the ear problems have resolved.