End Stage Ear Disease

Chronic proliferative end stage ear disease is most often seen in the Cocker Spaniel. Once the external ear canal has closed or the cartilage of the canal begins to ossify, medical therapy no longer is effective. In fact the reason we have reached this point is that medical therapy needs surgical help in these animals. Lateral ear resection provided early can allow ventilation, drainage and ease of treatment to medical therapy programs. Once proliferation has begun, the stage is set for end stage ear disease. Ear ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA) is needed to provide relief. Complication rate is low. Facial paralysis is a non clinical issue if it occurs. The most vital and important issue is complete clean out of the bulla (lateral bulla osteotomy). Patients with bilateral TECAs function very nicely in their home. Outdoor control is necessary. They are functionally deaf. Most owners repost significant loss of hearing before surgery is even contemplated.