Anaesthetic Complications in Dogs Undergoing Total Ear Canal Ablation and Ventral Bulla Osteotomy: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Abstract

Canine otitis, a prevalent and often recurrent condition in small animal veterinary medicine, can lead to severe and chronic ear disease, necessitating surgical intervention when medical management fails. In advanced cases, Total Ear Canal Ablation with Bulla Osteotomy (TECA-BO) is frequently considered the most effective treatment option to alleviate pain, resolve infection, and improve the overall quality of life of affected dogs. However, as with any major surgical procedure, TECA-BO carries inherent risks, particularly those related to anaesthesia. This single-centre retrospective study aims to evaluate and characterise anaesthesia-related complications in dogs undergoing TECA-BO surgery. The study analyses data from canine patients that underwent the procedure at a specialised veterinary referral centre over a 14-year period spanning from 2007 to 2021. The primary objective is to determine the incidence of anaesthesia-related complications and to identify any potential risk factors that may contribute to their occurrence. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the incidence of complications, with Fisher’s Exact Test being used to assess the significance of observed differences. The significance level was set at p = 0.05 to determine whether specific variables had a meaningful impact on anaesthesia-related complications. The findings of this study may help inform clinical decision-making, optimise anaesthetic management strategies, and ultimately improve the safety and success of TECA-BO procedures in veterinary practice.

Keywords

• TECA-BO
• otitis
• complications