Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment of Persistent Deep Infection After Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- Smeak, Daniel D
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
This study looks at ongoing deep infections that can happen after a surgery called total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy, which is done to treat ear problems in pets. These infections can be caused by leftover tissue or debris in the ear canal and may lead to symptoms like pain when touching the area or opening the mouth, sometimes appearing months or even years after the surgery. Using a CT scan to find the exact location of the infection is crucial for planning further surgery. While antibiotics can help reduce the symptoms, infections often come back, so additional surgery tends to provide a more lasting solution. Overall, surgery is more effective for completely resolving these persistent infections.
Abstract
Persistent deep infection originating from remnants of an incompletely excised ear canal, or epithelium and debris left in the osseous ear canal or tympanic cavity after surgery total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy can be debilitating. Clinical signs including pain elicited on deep palpation over the affected bulla or when opening the mouth, or draining sinuses may be delayed months to years. Localization of the nidus via CT imaging is important for surgical planning. Although antibiotic therapy usually reduces or eliminates the clinical signs of deep infection, relapses are common. Surgery more consistently results in permanent resolution.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26944764/