Table 2.

Similarities between otitis and pododermatitis in dogs.

Similar features
Not a disease — rather, a clinical presentation
Common presentation in general practice and referral dermatology practice
Underlying primary condition is present
Allergic disease is a common primary cause
May or may not be accompanied by other dermatologic symptoms
May or may not be accompanied by systemic clinical symptoms
Not every patient with predisposing factors is affected in the absence of primary disease
Symptoms/visual lesions at the affected site may or may not indicate primary disease
Inflammation and discomfort (including pruritus) are common
Secondary infection is common
Inflammation alone does not indicate infection
Cytological testing helps confirm or rule out secondary infection (except in deeper infection or with presence of chronic changes)
Secondary infection(s) complicate treatment and clinical picture
Affects patient quality of life
Frustrating condition for pet owners
Frustrating condition for veterinarians
Potential for chronicity, leading to further complications
Chronic changes complicate treatment and clinical picture
Ongoing maintenance therapy to control secondary and perpetuating factors may be required
Perpetuating factors may prevent symptom resolution even with primary disease controlled
Secondary unresolved infection may act as a perpetuating factor