Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rabbit with ear infection treated by ear canal removal and bone
By Chow, Eric P et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2011·Department of Clinical Medicine, United States·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy for treatment of otitis externa and media in a rabbit.
- Species:
- rabbit
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old spayed female Miniature Rex rabbit was brought in for scratching at her right ear, which was found to have pus inside. Despite treatment with antibiotics, her ear infection, caused by a resistant bacteria, didn't improve. To resolve the issue, the vet performed surgery to remove the ear canal and part of the ear bone, placing antibiotic beads in the area to help prevent future infections. Two weeks later, the rabbit was comfortable and no longer scratching her ear.
People also search for: rabbit ear infection treatment · why is my rabbit scratching its ear · rabbit surgery for ear problems
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old spayed female Miniature Rex European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of scratching at the right ear. Physical examination revealed purulent exudate in the right ear canal. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Microbial culture of the exudate yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible to marbofloxacin; however, the infection was refractory to appropriate medical treatment. Computed tomography revealed isoattenuating material within the right tympanic bulla and external ear canal with no enhancement following IV administration of contrast medium. The left tympanic bulla appeared normal. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy were performed on the right ear, and polymethylmethacrylate beads containing either gentamicin or cefazolin were placed within the bulla and surrounding tissues. Two weeks after surgery, the patient appeared comfortable with no signs of scratching at the right ear. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy can be successfully performed for treatment of chronic otitis externa and media in rabbits. Cartilage plates that compose the external ear canal, a bony acoustic duct, lack of a horizontal ear canal, and thickness of the lateral aspect of the tympanic bulla are features unique to rabbits and have not been described in relation to these surgical procedures in rabbits. Rabbits also produce a caseous exudate, and it is difficult to resolve infections of bone and soft tissues. Placement of antimicrobial-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads is recommended to minimize the risk of recurrent infection.
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/21756179/