REMOVAL OF A CHOLESTEATOMA IN A DOG, USING A CAUDAL AURICULAR APPROACH

A new surgical method for treating cholesteatoma in dogs is described. Although rarely reported in dogs, cholesteatomas may be more common t han previously believed. Complete excision of a cholesteatoma is assoc iated with low recurrence and good long-term prognosis. Surgical inter vention, with total ear canal. ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy, h as been recommended in dogs with tumors of the middle ear; however, th is technique often results in conductive hearing loss. Through a cauda l auricular approach to the tympanic bulla, we were able to preserve t he external ear canal, reconstruct the auditory ossicles, and graft th e tympanic membrane. Results of brain stem auditory-evoked response te sts in the dog revealed intact conduction potentials. A caudal auricul ar approach to the tympanic bulla is technically possible, preserves n ormal appearance, and may maintain, or even improve, hearing conductio n of affected ears in dogs.