Passive drainage versus primary closure after total ear canal ablation-lateral bulla osteotomy in dogs: 59 dogs (1985-1995).
OBJECTIVE
Compare passive wound drainage to primary closure of total ear canal ablation-lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO) in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of medical records.


METHODS
Fifty-nine dogs with end-stage otitis externa or neoplasia of the external and middle ear.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with TECA-LBO were reviewed. Dogs were divided into postoperative drain and primary closure groups. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences in data for signalment, preoperative treatment, duration of hospitalization, immediate complications, and long-term complications between groups.


RESULTS
No significant differences were detected in signalment, diagnosis, and duration of medical management between groups (P > .05). Duration of hospitalization was greater for dogs in the drain group (P < .05). Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 26 of 59 dogs and included ipsilateral facial palsy, incision swelling, vestibular signs, premature drain removal, and one dog died of aspiration pneumonia. Long-term (> 6 months) complications were identified in 12 of 50 dogs and included dermatitis of the medial aspect of the pinna, chronic fistula formation, and permanent facial paralysis. No association between immediate or long term complications and method of closure was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary closure is an acceptable alternative in dogs undergoing TECA-LBO when surgical wound dead space can be managed with meticulous hemostasis, complete debridement of devitalized tissue, and accurate apposition of tissue planes.
Devitt
C M
CM
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Seim
H B
HB
Willer
R
R
McPherron
M
M
Neely
M
M
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology