Total Ear Canal Ablation Combined with Lateral Bulla Osteotomy for End-Stage Otitis in Dogs Results in Thirty Dogs

Thirty dogs with end-stage otitis were treated by either unilateral or bilateral total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. Otitis was considered end stage when the horizontal ear canal was collapsed, stenotic, or occluded in conjunction with chronic infection of the external and middle ear. The dogs were evaluated clinically and radiographically for 4 to 63 months. The frequency of scratching, head shaking, aural drainage, and para-aural fistulation was significantly decreased. Abnormal ear carriage and head tilt were not changed. The results in 23 dogs were graded as excellent or improved. One dog died of intraoperative hemorrhage. Complications during the period from suture removal to follow-up included para-aural fistulation (3 dogs), facial nerve paralysis (5 dogs), and head tilt (3 dogs).