title: Subtotal ear canal ablation in 18 dogs and one cat with minimal distal ear canal pathology.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA.
authors.forename: Kyle G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Mathews
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Hardie
authors.forename: K Marcia
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome