Video-otoscopy-guided tympanostomy tube placement for treatment of middle ear effusion.
OBJECTIVE
To describe video-otoscopy-guided tympanostomy tube placement in 12 cavalier King Charles spaniels with middle ear effusion and assess the clinical outcome.


METHODS
A retrospective review of medical records of cavalier King Charles spaniels diagnosed with middle ear effusion and treated with tympanostomy tubes placement between 2012 and 2014 was performed. Outcome was assessed based on a telephone questionnaire.


RESULTS
Twenty-two tympanostomy tubes were successfully placed in the tympanic membrane in 12 cavalier King Charles spaniels under video-otoscopic guidance using a rigid endoscope and grasping forceps. Follow-up based on an owner questionnaire was available for 11/12 dogs. Subjective improvement in hearing was observed in 9/11 dogs with three dogs achieving normal hearing, according to the owners, and six demonstrating partial improvements. Out of 11 dogs, 10 dogs were reported with improved quality of life. Pruritus of the ears resolved in 3/9 dogs. Clinical signs recurred in four dogs because of tube dislodgement.


CONCLUSIONS
Video-otoscopic tympanostomy tube placement appeared to be indicated as a treatment for middle ear effusion in cavalier King Charles spaniels. It subjectively improved hearing, pruritus and quality of life in most dogs. The tympanostomy tubes dislodged in some cases, leading to recurrence of clinical signs, which were effectively eliminated by replacement of a fresh tube.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA.
V
V
Guerin
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA.
R
R
Hampel
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA.
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G
Ter Haar
D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D038781:Otoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000662:veterinary*