Hearing loss in dogs and cats after dental and ear cleaning anesthesia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to document hearing loss in dogs and cats following procedures performed under anesthesia. Most cases of reported hearing loss were subsequent to dental and ear cleaning procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective and retrospective case survey. ANIMALS: Subjects were dogs and cats with deafness, personally communicated to one author, cases discussed on a veterinary information web site, and cases communicated through a survey of general practice and dental specialist veterinarians. METHODS: Reported deafness cases were characterized by species (dog, cat), breed, gender, age, and dog breed size. RESULTS: Sixty-two cases of hearing loss following anesthesia were reported between the years 2002 and 2009. Five additional cases were reported by survey respondents. Forty-three cases occurred following dental procedures. Sixteen cases occurred following ear cleaning. No relationship was observed between deafness and dog or cat breed, gender, anesthetic drug used, or dog size. Geriatric animals appeared more susceptible to post-anesthetic, post-procedural hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Deafness may occur in dogs and cats following anesthesia for dental and ear cleaning procedures, but the prevalence is low. The hearing loss appears to be permanent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Deafness can be a consequence following anesthesia for dental or ear cleaning procedures. Older animals may have greater susceptibility.