skin microbiome and basic ear anatomy

Question 1

what is the skin microbiome?

Answer 1

the collection of microbes that naturally live on our bodies; in a constant state of flux

Question 2

describe the variation of the skin microbiome

Answer 2

varies between species, within species, and within sites on the same individual

Question 3

give 5 factors that influence skin microbiome

Answer 3

1. age
2. diet
3. sex
4. hygiene
5. life style

Question 4

how does exposure to a varied microbiome help an individual?

Answer 4

is considered a key component in immune regulation

Question 5

compare the feline and canine skin microbiome to human

Answer 5

canine and feline more diverse than human

Question 6

how relevant is a skin surface culture in the face of dermatitis?

Answer 6

a skin swab from a non-lesional skin site really only indicates the microbiome, not necessarily disease; a swab from a lesion is more informative but need to be careful with culture results and put them into context!

Question 7

why are dogs with atopic dermatitis (allergies) at a higher risk for developing ear infections?

Answer 7

their ear canals are already inflamed, and inflammation is thought to precede infection/microbiome shift

Question 8

how can the pinna of the ear be examined?

Answer 8

palpation and close looking

Question 9

how can the vertical canal of the ear be examined?

Answer 9

palpation and otoscopy

Question 10

how must the middle and inner eat be examined?

Answer 10

via CT or MRI

Question 11

how should ear canals present on a normal physical exam

Answer 11

ear canals should feel pliable and there should be no pain reaction

Question 12

what can chronic otitis externa lead to in terms of the pinna and vertical canal of the ear? (3)

Answer 12

1. thickening/hyperplasia
2. rigidity/fibrosis
3. mineralization

Question 13

what makes up the tympanic membrane?

Answer 13

the pars tensa and the pars flaccida

Question 14

what makes up the inner ear? (2)

Answer 14

1. the vestibular organ (balance)
2. cochlea (hearing)

Question 15

what is the balancing part of the vestibular organ?

Answer 15

the semicircular ducts

Question 16

what makes up the middle ear?

Answer 16

the tympanic bulla, a bony hollow structure that holds the air-filled tympanic cavity

Question 17

what are the 3 bones between the inner and middle ear of canines?

Answer 17

1. stapes
2. incus
3. malleus

Question 18

describe the bulla cavity of felines

Answer 18

has 2 compartments due to bony septum (bony septum unique to cats)

Question 19

how is the tympanic membrane visualized in horses?

Answer 19

deep sedation/anaesthesia required

Question 20

is otitis externa common or rare in horses?

Answer 20

pretty rare in horses

Question 21

what are the 3 groupings of ear illness?

Answer 21

1. otitis interna (inner ear)
2. otitis media (middle ear)
3. otitis externa (outer ear/pinna)