Ocular examinations before and after total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy can help recognize and prevent potential vision-threatening abnormalities in cats and dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To report ocular examination findings before and after total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECALBO) and ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) in cats and dogs.

METHODS

At The Ohio State University and MedVet Columbus, ophthalmic examinations were performed on client-owned animals for which a TECALBO or VBO was indicated. Examination findings and postoperative complications relating to ophthalmic and/or neuro-ophthalmic diseases were recorded prior to surgery (T0) and at 1 day (T1), 2 to 3 weeks (T14), and ± 2 months (T60) postoperatively.

RESULTS

28 dogs and 22 cats underwent 43 TECALBO and 20 VBO surgeries (63 ears). Reasons for surgery included otitis (52.4%), polyps (30.1%), and aural masses (17.5%). Facial nerve deficits were observed preoperatively in 5.7% of surgeries and postoperatively in 47.2% at T1 and 31.3% at T14. Horner syndrome was present preoperatively in 11.3% and postoperatively in 45.3% at T1 and 37.5% at T14. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal ulcers were noted, respectively, in 5.7% and 3.8% of cases at T0 and 5.7% and 17% at T1. Facial nerve deficits and Horner syndrome remained present in 29% (5 of 17) and 36% (5 of 14) at T60. One dog with preoperative facial nerve paralysis and Horner syndrome developed a descemetocele that required a conjunctival flap at T14. Overall, 64.2% of surgeries led to ocular and/or neuro-ophthalmic changes postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Cats and dogs undergoing TECALBO and VBO procedures should have thorough ophthalmic examinations preoperatively and postoperatively, as ocular and neuro-ophthalmic abnormalities are common in these patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ocular examinations are important in animals undergoing aural surgeries in order to reveal ocular abnormalities that could require follow-up care or lead to vision-threatening conditions.