Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 349-54 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Veterinary Surgery |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2009 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ear Canal
- Ear Cartilage
- Emergency Treatment
- Female
- Male
- Otoscopy
- Skull
- Skull Fractures
- Surgical Procedures, Operative
- Treatment Outcome