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Veterinarian History: * Presenting complaint: "Coco" (Canine, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, entire male, 4 years old) presented for a 3-day history of scratching his left ear and shaking his head. Owner reports a reddish discharge noted this morning. * Duration: 3 days. * Background information: Coco is an indoor/outdoor dog, up-to-date on vaccinations, and has no known allergies. No recent changes in diet or environment. He has a history of occasional ear infections, typically responding well to topical treatments. [List of current medications] * Pre-emptor (Afoxolaner/Milbemycin oxime) – monthly, last given 25 October 2024. * Nexgard Spectra (Afoxolaner/Milbemycin oxime/Praziquantel) - monthly, last given 20 October 2024. Examination: Body condition = 4/9 (ideal) Weight = 25.4 kg Dental exam = Mild tartar noted on canines and premolars. Demeanour = Bright, alert, and responsive; slightly head-shy when left ear approached. Oral mms-Pink, moist, CRT <2 seconds Chest auscultation-Heart rate 110 bpm, strong, regular rhythm. No murmurs or arrhythmias detected. Lung sounds clear and vesicular. Respiration-Eupnoeic, no increased effort. Respiratory rate 20 breaths/minute. Abdominal palpation-Soft, non-painful, no organomegaly or masses detected. Lymph nodes-Peripheral lymph nodes non-enlarged. Mentation-Alert and appropriate. Skin/coat-Coat is shiny and well-maintained. Mild erythema and excoriation noted around the left external ear canal. Eyes-Clear, no discharge, pupils responsive to light. Ears-Left ear canal erythematous with a moderate amount of reddish-brown, waxy discharge. Mild swelling of the pinna. Right ear appears normal. [Temperature] Rectal examination-Not performed Laboratory: * Left ear cytology: Abundant cocci bacteria and moderate numbers of Malassezia yeast. Occasional neutrophils noted. Assessment: * Otitis externa, left ear, consistent with bacterial and yeast overgrowth secondary to inflammation. * No signs of systemic illness or underlying foreign body in the ear canal at this time. Treatment: * Cleaned left ear canal with a gentle otic cleanser. * Administered antibiotic and antifungal ear drops into the left ear. * Provided anti-inflammatory injection (given in consult). Plan: * Prescribed topical ear medication for twice daily application for 10 days. * Recommend recheck in 10-14 days to assess response to treatment and repeat ear cytology. * Discussed potential underlying causes of recurrent otitis and recommended considering allergy work-up if condition recurs. * Advised owner to monitor for any changes in appetite, activity, or worsening of ear symptoms.