Causes, treatment and outcome of external ear canal tears and avulsions in cats and dogs: 24 cases (2008‒2024).

Surgical management of traumatic ear canal tears/avulsions yields favorable outcomes in dogs and cats.

This retrospective study analyzed 24 cases (14 cats, 10 dogs) of external ear canal tears and avulsions treated between 2008-2024. Acute trauma was the predominant cause (71% of cases). Otoscopy and/or CT imaging confirmed interruption of canal continuity in 92% of cases, with presentations including complete avulsion (5 cases), partial avulsion (12 cases), and perforating tears (6 cases). Surgical management varied by surgeon preference: total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy (9 cases), vertical ear canal ablation (7 cases), or primary repair (2 cases). Six patients died or were euthanased within 14 days post-presentation. Of 18 discharged patients, short-term follow-up revealed 2 minor and 4 major complications requiring revision surgery. Long-term data from 13 patients showed 3 with persistent facial nerve paralysis. Overall, traumatic ear canal injuries treated surgically demonstrated favorable outcomes, though retrospective design and owner decisions regarding euthanasia influenced results.

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