Otitis Externa/Media

Severe otitis externa Click to enlarge

Who is usually affected?
-Middle aged dogs and older
-Most commonly found in Cocker Spaniels

What is happening?
-Recurring swelling and/or infection of the ear canal which causes canal narrowing
-Wax and abnormal secretions accumulate in the external ear canal and middle ear

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Ear infections (pain, redness, odor, and discharge) that don't go away with
medication
-Thickening of the ear canal tissues, causing narrowing of the ear canal opening
-Persistent tilting of the head to the affected side
-Drooping of the lip or eyelid on the affected side

Diagnosis
-Careful examination of the ear using a specialized light source (otoscopy)
-Frequently x-rays are used to evaluate the skull, ear canal, and middle ear

Surgical treatment
-Removal of a portion of the ear canal ( lateral or vertical ear canal resection ) to improve drainage and make it easier to apply medications
-Removal of the entire ear canal (total ear canal ablation)
-Cleaning of wax and other secretions from the middle ear (lateral or ventral bulla osteotomy)

Postoperative appearance following total ear canal ablation Click to enlarge

Special postoperative care
-Antibiotics will help eliminate any remaining infections
-In many cases, a drain may be needed for 3 - 5 days

Expected results with surgery
-With partial canal removal, access to the canal for topical medication is enhanced
-With complete canal removal, topical medication is no longer necessary and ear pain is resolved
-Head tilting or facial drooping may occur, but generally will subside over time
-Generally hearing ability is unchanged