Prevalence of ear disease in small-breed dogs undergoing cone-beam computed tomography for dental procedures.

CBCT identified ear disease in 42.6% of small-breed dogs, exceeding reported prevalence.

This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of ear disease in small-breed dogs (≤25.5 lbs, >1 year old) undergoing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) during comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT). Among 352 dogs, ear disease was identified in 151 dogs (42.6%), substantially exceeding previously reported clinical prevalence estimates. External ear canal involvement was most common (148 dogs), followed by middle ear disease (30 dogs) and inner ear disease (3 dogs), with some dogs having concurrent disease in multiple otic compartments. The study assessed associations between ear disease and dental pathology (periodontal disease and tooth resorption) but found no significant correlations. These findings demonstrate that CBCT imaging, routinely performed for dental evaluation, provides valuable incidental diagnostic capability for detecting ear pathology that may otherwise remain clinically undiagnosed. The high prevalence identified suggests ear disease in small-breed dogs is substantially underrecognized in clinical practice, warranting consideration of CBCT's broader diagnostic utility beyond oral assessment.

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