Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Subtotal ear canal ablation in 18 dogs and one cat with minimal distal ear canal pathology.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Mathews, Kyle G et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
A new method for ear surgery was tested on 18 dogs and one cat, aimed at treating ear infections or growths in the ear canal. This technique is less invasive than the traditional approach and leaves part of the ear canal intact. After the surgery, eight of the animals developed skin issues around the ear, but these were successfully treated with medication. All the animals with upright ears were able to keep their normal ear position after the surgery. However, more research is needed before this method can be recommended for certain types of ear infections in dogs with floppy ears.
Abstract
A modified technique for performing total ear canal ablations is described. This technique requires less dissection than the standard technique and maintains a portion of the distal vertical ear canal. Subtotal ear canal ablations were performed in 18 dogs and one cat for the treatment of otitis externa or masses of the horizontal ear canal. Animals with otitis externa had minimal involvement of the distal ear canal. Dermatological problems associated with the remaining ear canal and pinnae occurred in eight animals and resolved with medical management. Normal ear carriage was maintained in all animals with erect ears. Further investigation is required before the procedure can be recommended as a treatment for otitis externa not caused by masses or anatomical abnormalities of the horizontal ear canal in dogs with pendulous ears.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16960041/