TECA-BO
Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) and Bulla Osteotomy (BO) is a widely used surgical procedure in small animal practice for the management of chronic ear disease in dogs and cats. TECA-BO involves the complete removal of the vertical and horizontal ear canals, along with the tympanic bulla and any associated diseased tissue. By removing the entire ear canal, the source of chronic infection and pain is eliminated, allowing for significant long-term improvement in patient comfort and welfare.
TECA is most commonly indicated in cases of end-stage otitis externa or otitis media, where irreversible changes to the ear canal have developed due to chronic inflammation. Other indications include intractable or recurrent ear infections unresponsive to medical therapy, and neoplasia of the ear canal or middle ear. For these patients, surgical management provides the best chance of long-term resolution.
Complications of TECA can include wound infection, haemorrhage, and delayed healing. Facial nerve paralysis is the most recognised risk due to the close anatomical relationship between the facial nerve and the surgical site. Although often temporary, paralysis can persist in some cases. Despite these potential risks, TECA is associated with high success rates, and the majority of veterinary patients experience improved quality of life and freedom from chronic ear pain. Careful case selection, perioperative planning, and client communication are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.
You can find more information for clients here.
Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (feline)
Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (VBO) is a surgical approach used primarily in feline patients to treat middle ear disease, including chronic otitis media, nasopharyngeal polyps, and ear canal tumours. The procedure involves creating a surgical opening into the tympanic bulla to remove abnormal tissue, infection, or polyps, while also allowing for effective drainage. Collected samples are commonly submitted for microbiology or histopathology to inform post-operative management.
Prognosis following VBO is generally favourable, particularly in cases of feline nasopharyngeal polyps, although outcomes depend on the underlying pathology. With appropriate surgical technique and case selection, VBO provides an excellent treatment option for cats suffering from chronic middle ear conditions.
