Diagnóstico de Otodectes cynotis mediante técnica de hisopado y cureta de Volkmann en gatos atendidos en consulta general en una clínica veterinaria del sector norte de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Otodectic mange produced by the mite Otodectes cynotis, common in the cat's ear canal, causes earwax, injuries, discomfort, and inflammation in the cat's ear. otocariasis spread to other parts of the body. Ear swab is the conventional diagnostic method; however, the Volkmann curette is an easy instrument and is rarely used by veterinarians for collecting earwax for microscopic analysis. In this way, the present study aimed to compare whether the swab or curettage method is more effective for the diagnosis of O. Cynotis in cats that were treated at a veterinary clinic in the northern sector of Guayaquil. A total of 58 cats positive for the presence of the mite were collected from which two samples were taken with the two methods in question. 78% positive cases were obtained through the swab diagnostic method, while by the Volkmann curette method it was 98%. Subsequently, Pearson's Chi square test was performed with a significance of 0.05. In this way, both methods were compared, obtaining p-value = 0.006. Demonstrating that the curette is more effective than the swab for the diagnosis of mites.