Removal of a cholesteatoma in a dog, using a caudal auricular approach

• Published in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 211; no. 12; p. 1549
• Main Authors: Davidson, E B, Brodie, H A, Breznock, E M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15-12-1997
• Subjects: Animals; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear - pathology; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear - surgery; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear - veterinary; Dog Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Dog Diseases - pathology; Dog Diseases - surgery; Dogs; Ear Canal - pathology; Ear Canal - surgery; Ear Ossicles - pathology; Ear Ossicles - surgery; Epithelium - chemistry; Epithelium - pathology; Keratins - analysis; Male; Osteotomy - methods; Osteotomy - veterinary; Prostheses and Implants - veterinary; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - veterinary; Tympanic Membrane - pathology; Tympanic Membrane - surgery
• ISSN: 0003-1488
• DOI: 10.2460/javma.1997.211.12.1549

A new surgical method for treating cholesteatoma in dogs is described. Although rarely reported in dogs, cholesteatomas may be more common than previously believed. Complete excision of a cholesteatoma is associated with low recurrence and good long-term prognosis. Surgical intervention, with total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy, has been recommended in dogs with tumors of the middle ear; however, this technique often results in conductive hearing loss. Through a caudal auricular approach to the tympanic bulla, we were able to preserve the external ear canal, reconstruct the auditory ossicles, and graft the tympanic membrane. Results of brain stem auditory-evoked response tests in the dog revealed intact conduction potentials. A caudal auricular approach to the tympanic bulla is technically possible, preserves normal appearance, and may maintain, or even improve, hearing conduction of affected ears in dogs.