Separation of the auricular and annular ear cartilages: surgical repair technique and clinical use in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To report a surgical technique for primary repair of separation of the annular and auricular cartilages of the ear and long-term outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series.

ANIMALS: Cats (3) and dogs (2) with ear canal separation.

METHODS: Medical records (1998-2007) of dogs and cats with ear canal separation were reviewed. Long-term outcome was obtained by telephone interview of owners or referring veterinarians.

RESULTS: Three cats and 1 dog had ear canal separation after being hit by a car; there was no history of trauma in 1 dog. Successful repair was achieved by a caudal approach to the ear canal, identifying and debriding separated cartilage edges and using primary repair. A patent ear canal was confirmed in all animals by otoscopy 4-12 weeks later and by ear canalography in 3 animals. Long-term outcome was excellent with no reported complications 10-90 months later (median 24 months).

CONCLUSIONS: Both acute and chronic separation between the annular and auricular cartilages, in the absence of middle ear disease, can be successfully treated using primary repair via a caudal approach to the ear canal, with excellent long-term outcome.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Primary repair should be considered in animals with separation of the annular and auricular cartilages.