Jason B. Pieper, DVM, MS, DACVD, outlines the numerous causes of otitis externa

Causes of otitis externa

In this interview, Jason B. Pieper, DVM, MS, DACVD, assistant professor at Iowa State University talks about various causes of otitis externa, including the top cause. In the video, he also cautions veterinarians against believing that atopic dermatitis cannot cause unilateral otitis, explaining that it can happen.

Treatment options for moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, and when to use what

Below is a partial transcript, which has been lightly edited for clarity:

The causes for otitis externa. I mean, definitely the number one is going to be allergies, which then usually are going to be food allergies and atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies. So those are by far the most common causes of them.

Again, it can help whether it's seasonality to differentiate what the underlying cause is and kind of working those up. But that's definitely the number one cause for otitis externa.

Otherwise, you're going to get a lot of the similar causes for pyoderma, you know, similar to otitis, of you know, is there endocrinopathy going on? Is it hypothyroid, Cushing’s, because of the immune suppression do we get recurring otitis because of that, you know? Is there a mass, you know? Is it a young cat as a polyp, or an older cat or older dog that has a mass in the ear, a tumor that needs to be dealt with? 

You know, obviously, for masses, it usually helps if it's unilateral, that can kind of push you more that way. But don't fall [for] the mistake that atopic dermatitis can't cause unilateral otitis. I have seen it. It's weird, but I have seen it, so it does happen. And then you still have your other ones of like autoimmune diseases that can be going on. Foreign bodies, depending [on] if their dogs are hunting dogs, we definitely see foreign bodies, you know…

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dvm360 is excited to announce that our 2025 Hospital Design360 ™ Competition is now accepting nominations! Every year, dvm360 encourages veterinary hospitals across thew United States and its territories to enter the competition as a way to showcase their hospital and what makes it unique through community engagement, design, financial value, and wellness.

“Each year, dvm360 is excited to showcase hospital and clinic designs that elevate veterinary medicine for patients, clients, and staff. By featuring both large and small hospitals, we highlight how innovative use of space can positively impact pets and the people who care for them,” John Hydrusko, vice president of sales at dvm360, said.

Revamp, recharge, rejoice: transforming veterinary hospitals for excellence

Boulevard Veterinary Lakeview East in Chicago, Illinois

The Vet Vision Center in Lambertville, New Jersey

Habitat Veterinary Hospital in Boise, Idaho

The Oregon Humane Society Community Veterinary Hospital in Portland, Oregon

Blue Cross Animal Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico

This year, the contest will award 3 hospitals grand prizes in 3 sizing categories: under 3500, 3500-8,000 sq ft, then > 8,000 sq ft

 Through the multiple categories, dvm360 hopes to be able to showcase the ideology that great design and functionality can come in any size.

To enter your hospital, submissions must include a complete color photo tour of the hospital, both inside and out, as well the site and floor plans for the hospital. Any animal shelters that enter the competition must limit the images to veterinary areas within the facility. Submitted hospitals must have been completed between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2025.

"Innovative hospital design is transforming veterinary care by integrating cutting-edge technology, streamlining efficiency, and fostering a healing environment. These nominations celebrate the forward-thinking spaces that are shaping the future of our profession," Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer at dvm360, said.

Hospitals can enter the contest no later than May 31, 2025. Each grand prize winner will be showcased in the 

website. The winning teams will also receive a Hospital Design Award for the practice and 4 team members will be able to attend a Fetch dvm360 Conference, choosing between Kansas City, Missouri; National Harbor, Maryland; or Long Beach, California. (Travel and accommodations are not included.)

Interested hospitals can learn more, view the official rules, and submit their entry on the official 2025 Hospital Design360 ™ Competition 

Articles

Three grand prize winners will be selected and honored on the dvm360 website, print publications, and receive a hospital reward for the practice

2025 Hospital Design360™ Competition now accepting entries

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, invited Tom Walsh, DVM, CCRP, MBA, to discuss PetPrime Rehab. Known for getting some of the more difficult cases in veterinary medicine, Walsh outlines some of the treatments he uses to speed up recovery time in his patients and make a difference for pet owners and pets alike.

The reason I love rehab is because I couldn't do it in general practice and I get that completely. Just the time constraints that, often, complicated cases go through. I really enjoy the cases, just like we did in school, trying to figure it out and solve the puzzle. But I also like seeing the results at the end: being able to get an animal that is having mobility problems, or neurological problems, and transition them through. My colleagues in neurology and special services as well as orthopedics are thrilled because they know it is very difficult to shepherd an owner through this path. It is a lot of work. You need help at home. I incorporate all of that into a teaching program for these owners. 

Podcasts

Tom Walsh, DVM, CCRP, MBA talks with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, about how a change in career sparked a mobile physical therapy and rehabilitation center to help aging and/or injured pets. 

Transforming lives: overcoming serious injuries and aging challenges in pets

Mars, Inc launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program to study the effects cats and dogs have on human mental health and wellbeing. PAWS is designed to be a large, 5-year research program aimed at deepening understanding about the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, and examining how these connections affect stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing.

According to Mars, the multi-disciplinary research program will engage more than 35,000 individuals in more than 20 countries during its’ initial phase and is expected to continue building over time. The program aims to deliver results that include new insight and scientific data into how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the quality of life for companion animals.

“Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, [the PAWS program brings] together a range of disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches to answer important questions in the human-animal interaction field. The studies in the PAWS program will be led by principal investigators from world-leading academic institutions and organisations,” Tammie King, PhD, senior research manager, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said in an email to 

The study program’s collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners that include Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts;, University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore: University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom (UK); University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in Oro Valley; YouGov, a global market research firm based in London, UK; and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute in Washington, DC.

“Both the breadth and depth of this study program promise to deliver novel data and greater insight into something many people instinctively feel—that the bond between pet and pet owner is a powerful and unique part of the human experience,” Maggie O’Haire, PhD, associate dean for research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, said in the release.

Mars is also partnering with Calm to utilize this mental health company’s expertise and combine it with human-animal bond research. This collaboration is expected to yield content through 2025.

“Pets are daily sources of calm, joy, and connection. Through our partnership with Mars, we aim to understand these relationships better and illuminate the unique role pets play in mental health and wellbeing, supported by new in-app resources,” Chris Mosunic, PhD, MBA, RD, chief clinical officer for Calm said in the release.

King noted that each study in the PAWS program has its own unique robust design and methodology aimed at addressing a specific research question. “The ambition of the PAWS program is to embrace mixed-methods research (ie. quantitative and qualitative). Within the current scope of the program there are a range of experimental approaches using techniques such as electrodermal activity monitoring and ecological momentary assessment, as well as qualitative interviews with pet owners. Through multiple approaches the goal is to add depth and richness to insights generated. Together, these studies aim to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people, and the implications for health and wellbeing across species,” King said.

Previous data has shown that 45% of individuals across 31 countries viewed mental health as their top health concern in 2024, up from 27% in 2018.

 Meanwhile, data from the World Health Organization show that anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders, affecting more than 301 million people around the world in 2029.

A 2024 Mars Global Pet Parent Study found that understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important. This study noted that 56% of people worldwide own pets, and there is a global pet population of about 1 billion.

Thus, Mars advocates for the essential role of companion animals in human lives and expressed commitment to addressing issues such as pet homelessness to keep pets and their owners together, according to the company. Advocates include Loïc Moutault, president of Mars Petcare, who is a pet owner that has experienced joy and comfort from pets.

“There is increasing evidence that owning a pet or simply interacting with one can bring benefits to people of all ages and from all walks of life. [Through the PAWS program], we're aiming to deliver on our purpose—abetter world for pets—because we believe pets make our lives better.Through this study program we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets,” Moutault said.

Mars launches landmark global study program on pets’ contribution to human wellbeing. News release. February 20, 2025. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/mars-study-pets-contribution-human-wellbeing

Mental health is seen as the biggest health issue. Ipsos. September 17, 2024. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-health-service-report

Anxiety disorders. World Health Organization, September 27, 2023. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders

The Pets and Wellbeing Study program led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute will examine the connection between pets and human wellbeing and mental health

Global study of the human-animal bond is launched

In partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), Dechra—a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business—is offering 20 scholarships for veterinary and veterinary technician students. In the past decade, the company has offered financial support to students specializing in internal medicine, dermatology, and equine sports medicine. This year, Dechra will provide scholarships for veterinary technician students as well, the company announced.

"Through our ongoing collaboration with AVMF, Dechra is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians," Jill Stohs, DVM, senior director of veterinary professional services and medical affairs at Dechra, said in a company release.

 "These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also recognize and support students who exemplify excellence and leadership in their respective fields.”

The Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Technician Scholarship will award 5 $2000 scholarships to veterinary technician students who are eligible. To be eligible, students must

Be in their final year of study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities

Be currently enrolled and in good standing with the accredited program

Be in good academic standing, upholding a passing grade point average

In addition to their scholarships for veterinary technician students, Dechra also offers the Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Scholarship. The scholarship will grant $2500 scholarships to 5 students with an interest in equine sports medicine, 5 students with an interest in internal medicine, and 5 students with an interest in dermatology, for a total of 15 students.

To be eligible for this scholarship, veterinary students must

Be in their clinical year of study at an AVMA Council on Education (CVM) accredited college in the United States

Be currently enrolled and in good standing with the CVM

Be in good academic standing, maintaining a passing grade point average

Other criteria may be established by the committee from time to time

"Going through a doctoral program later in life has required immense dedication. Even on difficult days, staying committed to my goals has been key to my success,” Sarah Wise, a former Dechra student ambassador and the 2024 recipient of the Equine Sports Medicine scholarship said in a company release.

 “The support from Dechra affirms that hard work and perseverance are truly valued in this profession."

Recipients of the 2024 Dechra scholarships include students from St. George’s University, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, University of Arizona, Arkansas State University, Oregon State University, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, , Columbia State Community College, SUNY Delhi, and more.

"Scholarships such as these from Dechra have an enormous impact," Audrey K. Cook, BVMS, MRCVS, Dip ACVIM, ECVIM, ABVP (Feline), professor of Veterinary Internal Medicine at Texas A&M University, said in the release.

 "We are absolutely delighted that 3 of the 5 scholarships for students with an interest in Internal Medicine were awarded to Aggies!"

In addition to awarding scholarships, Dechra has invested almost $1 million in veterinary student initiatives over the past 5 years, covering areas like educational events, mentorship programs, and hands-on learning.

Dechra expands commitment to veterinary profession with new American Veterinary Medical Foundation scholarships. News release. Dechra. February 19, 2025. 

Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Technician Scholarship. American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/dechra-technician-scholarship/

Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Scholarship. American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/dechra-scholarship/

Dechra in partnership with American Veterinary Medical Foundation is awarding a $2000 scholarship to 5 veterinary technician and veterinary students

Dechra announces scholarships for veterinary and technician students

Watch this short video to discover how one veterinary professional enhances patient care for various conditions using precise, non-invasive laser treatment technology.