Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scan with contrast helps check eardrum tears in dogs
By V. Alves-Nores et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2024·Diagnostic Imaging Department, Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, Alton, United Kingdom, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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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 type of CT scan called positive contrast canalography to check for tears in their eardrums (tympanic membranes). Out of 16 ears examined, 7 showed signs of a tear, which was confirmed by the presence of contrast fluid in the ear cavity. In some cases, the tears were only detected by the CT scan and not by the traditional ear examination. This method proved to be a safe and effective way to identify eardrum ruptures, potentially offering better results than standard visual checks by a vet.
People also search for: dog ear infection treatment · signs of dog eardrum rupture · CT scan for dog ear problems
Abstract
IntroductionThe 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.ObjectiveThis single-center study aimed to describe the positive contrast canalography technique in CT and its usefulness in identifying TM integrity in 11 dogs.MethodsDogs with clinical signs of ear disease underwent CT canalography following a systematic protocol.ResultThe 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.DiscussionIn 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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1304066