Separation of the Auricular and Annular Ear Cartilages: Surgical Repair Technique and Clinical Use in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

To report a surgical technique for primary repair of separation of the annular and auricular cartilages of the ear and long-term outcome. Case series. Cats (3) and dogs (2) with ear canal separation. Medical records (1998-2007) of dogs and cats with ear canal separation were reviewed. Long-term outcome was obtained by telephone interview of owners or referring veterinarians. Three cats and 1 dog had ear canal separation after being hit by a car; there was no history of trauma in 1 dog. Successful repair was achieved by a caudal approach to the ear canal, identifying and debriding separated cartilage edges and using primary repair. A patent ear canal was confirmed in all animals by otoscopy 4-12 weeks later and by ear canalography in 3 animals. Long-term outcome was excellent with no reported complications 10-90 months later (median 24 months). Both acute and chronic separation between the annular and auricular cartilages, in the absence of middle ear disease, can be successfully treated using primary repair via a caudal approach to the ear canal, with excellent long-term outcome. Primary repair should be considered in animals with separation of the annular and auricular cartilages.