Para-aural abscessation following traumatic ear canal separation in a dog

Traumatic ear canal separation is rare in animals, with only eight dogs and one cat reported with the condition in the English language literature. Pa ra-aural abscessation occurred in six of these nine animals. Diagnosis was made on otoscopic observation of a shortened, abruptly ending external ear canal that was free from advanced disease. Radiographs in those cases which have been described showed a disruption of the normal air opacity of the a ffected ear canal. Drainage, by creating a separate opening for the horizon tal ear canal, or total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TEC A/LBO), have led to resolution of the clinical signs. This report adds a fu rther case to the literature in which TECA/LBO was employed successfully.