Ear canal surgeries in dogs can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, or a combination of these. As a therapeutic procedure, surgery can be considered either for definitive treatment or as an adjunct to ongoing medical treatment.
It's important to select the appropriate type of surgery for chronic ear infections in dog and cats, to avoid either insufficient treatment (and the possible need for revision surgery later) or overtreatment, which could expose the patient to a greater number of (or more severe) complications.
Vertical Ear Canal Ablation
Vertical canal ablation is used to salvage a functional horizontal canal when vertical canal is severely diseased.
“Vertical canal ablation has certain advantages over lateral wall resection”
The procedure combines the advantages of lateral wall resection (drainage, ventilation, and preservation of hearing.) with total ear canal ablation ( total removal of severely diseased tissue)
Vertical canal ablation has certain advantages over lateral wall resection including
Total removal of vertical canal tissue
Less postoperative exudat
Less postoperative pain
Less incised cartilage, resulting in better healing, and
Improved cosmetic effect
Indications:
Irreversible hyperplastic otitis
Severe trauma
Or neoplasia limited to vertical ear canal
Most cases of neoplasia and hyperplastic otitis, however, involve both the vertical and horizontal portions of the ear canal, making this procedure less applicable than total ear canal ablation
Postoperative care:
Topical antibiotic-steroid medication is use
The ears are taped over the head
E-collar
Suture removal in 14 days
”Postoperative care is similar to lateral wall resection, although the wound is less likely to dehisce.” Complications:
Vertical canal ablation has fewer complications than lateral wall resection surgery.
Canton Animal Hospital
43439 Michigan Ave
Canton, MI 48081
Ph: 734-397-7779
Fax: 734-397-7860 Business Hours:
