Ear Infections in Dogs and Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA)
Introduction
When Sarah noticed her beloved dog, Max, constantly shaking his head and scratching at his ears, she knew something was wrong. Despite several trips to the vet and various treatments, Max’s ear infections persisted, leaving Sarah desperate for a solution. After consulting with a specialist, Sarah discovered the option of Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) to address Max’s chronic ear infections.
Chronic ear infections are prevalent in dogs. They usually occur when there is excessive moisture in the ears. This causes bacteria to grow and multiply rapidly and the susceptibility of bacteria cultured.
In humans, ear infections are common. However, in dogs, deep ear infections are much rarer. This is because dogs’ ears are designed differently than human ears.
Dogs’ ears are made up of three parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear consists of two small holes called pinnae. The middle ear contains an air sac called the Eustachian tube. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing.
A secondary ear infection occurs when bacteria enter the dog’s ear canal. Bacteria cause inflammation and swelling inside the ear. As a result, pus builds up and blocks the eardrum.
Total Ear Canal Ablation Surgery
Total ear canal ablation, or TECA, is a surgical treatment to remove the entire ear canal. Removal of the ear canal is usually done when a chronic ear infection of the canal and ear drum causes chronic pain and discomfort.
This minimally invasive surgical technique involves creating a small opening in the skin over the elbow joint, removing the infected tissue from the ear canal, and replacing it with healthy skin. Then insert a needle into the joint capsule.
Once inside the joint capsule, the surgeon injects local anesthesia and corticosteroid medication into the joint space. This prevents further infections and allows the dog’s ears to drain correctly. Over 90% of dog owners claim to have noticed a notable improvement in their dogs’ quality of life after undergoing treatment by an experienced surgeon.
Why Does My Dog Need TECA?
The most common reason for this surgery is to treat otitis externa, commonly known as “swimmer’s ear.” Otitis externa occurs when bacteria enter the ear canal by opening at the top of the ear. Swimmers’ ear is caused by swimming in chlorinated water, bathing in hot tubs, or playing in sandboxes where the dogs lick their paws.
Other reasons for performing total ear canal ablation include:
- To prevent future bacterial infections
- To improve hearing
- To reduce noise sensitivity
- To correct abnormal head positioning
Will My Dog Benefit From the TECA?
Your primary care veterinarian can tell you whether your dog needs TECA surgery. If your dog needs this procedure, there are several ways to determine whether it will be a candidate. The most common method is to perform a physical examination and listen to the dog’s ears. If the dog has a foul odor coming from their ears or appears uncomfortable when you touch its head, it may not be a good candidate for the TECA procedure.
Another option is to use a diagnostic tool called the Weber Screening System. This device uses sound waves to measure the amount of wax buildup in the ear canal. If the results show that the dog has excessive wax buildup, it should undergo the TECA procedure.
What are the Potential Complications Following TECA?
Common complications associated with TECA include middle ear infection, abscess formation, pinna position and movement, and Horner’s Syndrome.
- Infection/Abscess Formation
A very rare complication of TECA is an infection or abscess formation. This occurs because there is no natural barrier between the external environment and the internal space of the middle ear. Therefore, bacteria normally residing outside the body can enter the middle ear via the Eustachian tube. If left untreated, this could lead to severe consequences.
- Pinna Position and Movement
Another complication of TECA is pinna position and movement. Patients often complain about hearing loss, tinnitus, and severe pain around the ears. This is due to damage caused by the drill during the procedure. This can happen in up to 10 to 20% of cases and is usually temporary.
- Horner’s Syndrome
Horner’s syndrome is another complication of TECA. The symptoms of this condition include drooping eyelids, redness of the eyes, and dilated pupils. These symptoms occur because the sympathetic nervous system is activated during the surgery.
What is Post-Operative Care for Dogs?
Dogs who undergo this procedure typically recover completely within two weeks. However, they must wear a cone-shaped bandage around the affected ear for several months until the wound heals. This would help reduce the risk of complications. In addition, during recovery, the dog may lose hair around the area where the ear was removed.
Post-operative care for dogs includes monitoring their health after surgery and looking closely for any signs of complications. This means checking their temperature regularly, ensuring they’re eating well, and keeping them comfortable.
If your dog had ear infections, you’d need to monitor his recovery closely. After surgery, you should keep him out of drafts and away from any sources of ear diseases until he recovers fully.
After surgery, you may be able to give your dog some pain medication. But remember, this isn’t a cure; it helps relieve discomfort. Your vet will tell you when it’s okay to let your dog go home.
If you notice any symptoms, call your vet right away. These include fever, swelling, redness, drainage, or pus. First, your doctor should examine and take fluid samples from your ears. Then, he may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
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