The dog presented with acute ototis externa and swelling of right eye and febrile (40.4%C). She was treated with antibiotics (clavulanic acid/amoxicillin) and her ears were flushed with 0.5% chlorhexidine. The next day she was re-examined with an increased swelling of the right eye and a painfull fluidy swelling on the top of her head.

She was admitted two days later – by this time a large area of skin had become necrotic and was sloughing (Image 1). Necrotic skin was removed, the wound cleaned and flushed, FiltaBac was applied as a barrier cream. FiltaBac was used as dressing as bandaging the area was not easy. The dog was treated with metronidazole and clindamycine. The treatment was repeated every 3-4 days. There was considerable necrosis of the skin and at one point the underlying bone of the skull was exposed. Filtabac was applied regularly and antibiotics continued. The wound granulated well (image 2), and eventually healed with excellent cosmetic results.

Lode De Smet DVM MRCVS615