Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fluid buildup in the middle ear of 3 cats and 2 dogs - causes and
By Schuenemann, Riccarda & Oechtering, Gerhard·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2024·Small Animal Department, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Secondary secretory otitis media (SSOM) in 3 cats and 2 dogs.
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old cat and a 5-year-old dog were brought in with fluid buildup in their middle ears, causing discomfort and potential hearing issues. Both pets underwent a procedure called myringotomy to drain the fluid, which was found to be caused by blockages in their auditory tubes. After identifying and treating the underlying issues, the fluid cleared up in both animals, and they returned to normal. This case highlights the importance of checking for blockages in the nasopharynx when pets show signs of ear problems.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe secondary secretory otitis media (SSOM) due to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal opening of the auditory tube in cats and dogs and to characterize the effusion by macroscopic description, microscopic cytology and bacteriological analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three cats and 2 dogs with middle ear effusion and obstruction of the nasopharyngeal opening of the auditory tube detected on CT scans received myringotomy followed by macroscopic description, microscopic cytology and bacteriological analysis of the fluid obtained. RESULTS: All animals had serous to mucoid middle ear effusions and, in 2 cases, large numbers of inflammatory cells and secondary infection. Causes of auditory tube dysfunction ranged from iatrogenic stents (2) to neoplasia (3). In the non-neoplastic cases, effusion resolved in all cases after removal of the underlying cause. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obstruction of the nasopharyngeal opening of the auditory tube leads to accumulation of fluid within the middle ear in cats and dogs. If the cause of obstruction can be removed, fluid accumulation resolves. Fluid characteristics are comparable to middle ear effusions in pugs and French bulldogs. It is important to always examine the nasopharynx in cases of middle ear effusion to rule out SSOM.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38925134/