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How to obtain a bacterial culture from the ear |
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The purpose of this fact sheet is to illustrate the proper technique for obtaining a bacteria culture of the canine or feline ear. Infections of the ear are diagnosed by physical exam, clinical signs, cytology (microscopic exam), and microbial cultures. The culture of an infectious organism requires obtaining a sample of that organism from the affected ear. |
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Benign or pathogenic bacteria, and yeast, can be sampled from the external ear or ear canal using a sterile cotton swab, pictured here in its packaging (transport swab). The swab or "applicator" must be sterile to avoid contaminating the bacteria we wish to obtain. Do not touch any part of the swab except its plastic handle. Check the packaging to be sure it has not reached the expiration date or been broken. |
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Follow the instructions on the package to open the wrapping, and break the paper seal on the transport tube. Label the tube with the animal's name, and which ear was swabbed. Sampl-ing the skin, urinary tract, wounds, and other sites can also provide microbial cultures (1 swab per site). The dog and cat ear has an "L" shaped canal. The swab is inserted no further than the length of the vertical ear canal. The vertical canal can be felt as a rubbery tube under the skin, below the earflap or pinna. |
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Ideally your veterinarian team performs the procedure because they have the experience to avoid harm. Have an assistant restrain the animal. With the dog or cat's head in an upright position, hold the base of the earflap with your free hand, and lift the ear to straighten the vertical canal. With the other hand insert the swab slowly into vertical canal until it has just reached the bend in the "L" shaped canal or until you meet slight resistance. Pushing the swab deeper may force wax and debris against the eardrum (tympanum), damage the tympanic membrane, or cause pain. Insert the used swab snugly into the transport tube. |
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The final step is to have your veterinarian send the culture to a diagnostic laboratory. It may take up to 3 days to culture the bacteria. |
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