Separation of the Auricular and Annular Ear Cartilages: Surgical Repair Technique and Clinical Use in Dogs and Cats

Tivers, M S; Brockman, D J

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. (C) Copyright 2009 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Citation

Tivers, M. S., & Brockman, D. J. Separation of the Auricular and Annular Ear Cartilages: Surgical Repair Technique and Clinical Use in Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Surgery, 38(3), 349-354. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00476.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2014
• Journal: VETERINARY SURGERY
• Print ISSN: 0161-3499
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 349-354
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00476.x
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1427646