Chronic ear infections can be a frustrating and painful problem for pets and their owners. In some cases, medications and regular cleaning may not be enough to manage the infection, and surgery may be recommended. Total Ear Canal Ablation and Bulla Osteotomy (TECA-BO) is a surgical option that can effectively treat chronic ear infections in pets. In a smaller number of cases, TECA-BO may be performed for removal of a mass within the ear canal.
What is TECA-BO?
TECA-BO is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire ear canal and the surrounding bone (bulla) in the inner ear. This procedure is most commonly performed on dogs and cats that have severe, chronic ear infections that have not responded to other treatments.
Why is TECA-BO Performed?
Chronic ear infections can cause a variety of symptoms in pets, including pain, swelling, discharge, and hearing loss. If left untreated, they can also lead to more serious complications such as nerve damage, facial paralysis, and even brain infections.
TECA-BO is typically recommended when other treatments, such as medications and regular cleaning, have not been effective in managing the infection. The surgery can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with chronic ear infections and prevent more serious complications from developing.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
TECA-BO is a major surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the veterinarian will remove the entire ear canal and the surrounding bone. After the procedure, your pet may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover and receive post-operative care and monitoring.
After your pet is discharged from the hospital, you will need to follow your veterinarian's instructions for post-operative care, which may include administering medications, cleaning the ear, and monitoring for signs of complications. It's important to keep your pet from scratching or rubbing their ear during the recovery period to avoid damaging the surgical site.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with TECA-BO. These may include bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related complications. Additionally, some pets may experience hearing loss after the procedure, although in most cases they were already hearing impaired due to the chronic ear infection. In addition, some pets may experience temporary facial nerve palsy which inhibits their blink reflex. This is managed with lubricating eye drops.
In conclusion, TECA-BO is a surgical option that can effectively treat chronic ear infections in pets that have not responded to other treatments. While the procedure is a major surgery, it can help to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with chronic ear infections and prevent more serious complications from developing. If your pet has chronic ear infections that are not responding to other treatments, talk to your veterinarian about whether TECA-BO may be a good option for your pet.
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