Canine otitis externa is defined as inflammation of the ear
canal. It is a painful problem and very frustrating for owners, vets, and pets
when it persists despite treatment.
Otitis externa is marked by scratching, rubbing of the ear and
head shaking. The ear is red and there is evidence of discharge that may have a
foul smell. If initial medical management is unsuccessful video otoscopy under
general anesthesia is a valuable tool. The following is a case example:
Maisie, a 9 year old bearded collie had otitis externa of
the left ear for more than one month. Despite a sedated flush and appropriate
medical management the problem persisted.
Under general anesthesia, a 2.7 rigid scope was passed down
the canal. A collection of mucus and
debris was removed from the bottom of the canal to reveal a grass awn that had
perforated the eardrum and was fixed in the drum. The grass awn was removed
with a grasping forcep. This left a defect in the eardrum. A catheter was
passed down the scope through the defect in the drum and into the middle ear..
The middle ear was lavaged with warm saline until the return was clear. Maisie
was discharged the same day. Re exam is scheduled in 2 weeks. This is an
example of the value of deep cleaning with the magnification and visualization
of rigid endoscopy.
Maisie (9 year old
bearded collie)
(Image of the ear before the cleaning)
(The grass awn embedded in the ear drum)
(The grass awn that
was removed.)
(Catheter inserted
into the ear)
(Image inside the
ear)
By: David K Saylor
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