Total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomies
Total ear canal ablation (TECA) is a procedure used to manage severe ear disease in dogs where other methods of treatment have failed. Usually a total ear canal ablation is performed with a lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA + LBO) to treat the associated middle ear disease. A TECA and LBO involves the removal of the diseased and infected ear canal and lining of the middle ear whilst leaving the hearing organ itself (the inner ear) in place. The middle ear chamber (tympanic bulla) is carefully inspected by the surgeon at the time of the operation and any abnormal tissue or material is removed. Figure 1 shows the normal anatomy of the outer, middle and inner ear.
Treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
The increase in popularity of brachycephalic (short-nosed dogs) has markedly increased the number of patients we see with breathing difficulties (dyspnoea). These dogs often have a combination of problems that compromises their airways. BOAS surgery will typically involve opening up the nostrils, and shortening the soft palate. Often the tonsils and laryngeal saccules may also be removed.
Laryngeal paralysis
This is typically seen in elderly Labradors; their larynx collapses, particularly when excited or hot, causing very noisy breathing. As the problem progresses they may become distressed or even collapse. For more severe cases ‘tie back’ surgery is indicated. This tricky surgical technique aims to permanently hold the opening of larynx open on one side.
All airway surgery is relatively high risk so the patients are likely to be hospitalised for one or two days and will require 24-hour monitoring and care during recovery.