Modified Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy for Management of Otitis Media in an Alpaca

Abstract

Objective To report surgical treatment of severe otitis media in an alpaca by a modification of a subtotal ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy technique used in dogs. Study Design Case report. Animals An 11-week-old female alpaca cria. Methods The cria had a 2-week history of right otitis media, nonresponsive to medical treatment, as well as right facial nerve paralysis, and a melting corneal ulcer of the right eye. Otitis media was confirmed by computed tomography. Right subtotal ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy were performed using a modification of a technique reported in dogs. Results There were no surgical complications and the alpaca was discharged from the hospital 5 days later. At 10 months, moderate motor function had been restored to the pinna with the ear standing partially erect. The otitis had resolved, and the alpaca was reportedly well integrated into the herd. Conclusion Subtotal ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy, a technique modified from that performed in dogs, were successful in providing complete clinical resolution of otitis media in an alpaca.

Nd:YAGlaser‐assisted transendoscopic procedure for treatment of otitis media in a horse

“…; Sumner et al . ). Humans, alpacas and small animals have no guttural pouches, therefore a laserendosopic approach is not possible.…”

“…A modified ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy for management of otitis media has also been described in an Alpaca (Sumner et al . ).…”

“…Surgical management of otitis media in dogs includes myringotomy, flushing of the tympanic cavity, lateral bulla osteotomy, ventral bulla osteotomy, and curettage of the tympanic cavity (Boothe 1991). A modified ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy for management of otitis media has also been described in an Alpaca (Sumner et al 2012).…”

External ear cytological results and resident flora of clinically normal alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

“…Previous studies have evaluated common skin diseases as well as normal cytological and resident flora from interdigital skin . The literature regarding otitis in the alpaca includes only a few case reports focusing on middle and inner ear disease …”

“…However, in most instances, suppurative otitis in the alpaca is more commonly confined to the middle (otitis media) and inner (otitis interna) ear . These deeper infections often are caused by a direct extension of the infection from the external canal into the middle and inner ear or via spread of upper respiratory infections …”