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 Titan
is a beautiful 8 year old Great Dane who came to us with a history of a
chronic ear infection which had been treated on and off at other
veterinarians for a year without success. Titan had no history of
allergies, and he was not a swimmer; two of the main reasons that cause
ear infections in dogs.
During the physical exam, we used our
video-otoscope to look down into Titan's ears. In the left ear we found
a large tumor growing. The top of the tumor was about 1.5 inches in
diameter and it was so big that we were unable to mover our scope down
in to the canal. An ear tumor like this will often lead to chronic ear
infections because it blocks air and medications from getting down into
the deeper part of the canal.
We discussed the treatment options with
the owner and explained that a surgical procedure called the "lateral
ear resection" was the only way to help Titan. When approaching a tumor
like this, one can never be sure if the tumor is originating in the ear
canal itself, or if it is coming from the inner ear. Therefore, we have
to be prepared to do a more radical surgery if the tumor is originating
deeper in the canal.
We performed preoperative blood tests to
ensure Titan's safety under anesthesia. He was gently anesthetized for
surgery and this is what we found in the ear canal: (click on image to
enlarge)
Fortunately, the tumor was embedded in the
wall of the ear canal and we were able to remove the entire tumor and
still save the hearing. The lateral ear resection is used to gain
access to the ear canal for tumor removal, as in this case, but it can
also be used as a very useful tool for pets who suffer from chronic ear
infections. By removing the outside part of the ear canal, we leave an
ear that can be readily cleaned and which allows for circulation of air.
This is a photo of Titan's ear after
surgery.
Even though it looks a bit gory in this
photo, it went on to heal beautifully. The tumor turned out to be benign
and the pathologists report that we got the entire tumor. Titan's ear
infection is finally under control and both he and his owner are very
happy.
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