Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan with contrast to check eardrum tears in dogs
By Alves-Nores, V et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2024·Diagnostic Imaging Department, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Evaluation of canine tympanic membrane integrity using positive contrast computed tomography canalography.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with ear problems underwent a special imaging test called positive contrast CT canalography to check for tears in their eardrums. Out of 16 ears examined, 7 showed signs of eardrum rupture that were confirmed by the CT scan, even when the regular ear examination didn't detect it. This method proved to be a helpful and safe way to identify eardrum issues, potentially offering more accurate results than traditional ear checks.
People also search for: dog ear infection treatment · signs of dog eardrum rupture · CT scan for dog ear problems
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The assessment of the integrity of the tympanic membrane (TM) can be a diagnostic challenge in patients with otitis externa and/or otitis media (OM) under an otoscopic examination. In computed tomography (CT), the TM is not always visualized. However, a positive contrast canalography using conventional radiography has been previously described to evaluate the TM integrity. OBJECTIVE: This single-center study aimed to describe the positive contrast canalography technique in CT and its usefulness in identifying TM integrity in 11 dogs. METHODS: Dogs with clinical signs of ear disease underwent CT canalography following a systematic protocol. RESULT: The presence of contrast medium and contrast homogeneity within the tympanic cavity was assessed, confirming TM rupture when contrast medium was present in the tympanic cavity. CT canalography was performed in 16 ears, and in 7 of the 16 ears (44%), there was a contrast in the tympanic cavity, confirming TM rupture (positive CT canalography result). In two of the seven cases (29%), rupture of the TM was identified in both otoscopic and CT canalography. In the remaining five of the seven (71%) positive CT canalography results, tympanic membrane rupture was identified only by CT canalography. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, a positive contrast CT canalography is a complementary and safe technique to assess TM integrity, with a potentially higher sensitivity than otoscopic examination for the diagnosis of TM rupture in dogs.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39071782/