All dog owners want the best for their furry friends, especially when it comes to their health. From routine check-ups to emergency vet visits, caring for your dog’s well-being often involves medical procedures you might not fully understand. One procedure is TECA surgery, which stands for Total Ear Canal Ablation. While it may sound complicated, this surgery is actually a crucial procedure for some dogs suffering from chronic ear issues. This article will discuss what TECA surgery is, why it’s necessary, how it’s performed, and what you can expect before and after the procedure.

What is TECA Surgery?

A Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) is a surgical procedure performed in dogs to remove the entire ear canal. This surgery is typically indicated in cases of chronic, irreversible otitis externa or ear canal tumours. In these cases, inflammation, infection, or disease has caused significant pain and discomfort that cannot be managed with medical treatment alone. The procedure involves removing the entire ear canal. It is often performed alongside a lateral bulla osteotomy (LBO). This is a complementary procedure that involves opening and cleaning the bulla (the osseous chamber of the middle ear). The LBO is essential when infection or disease extends into the middle ear, allowing your vet to remove any infected or abnormal tissue, debris, or fluid within the bulla. Together, TECA and LBO address both the external and middle ear components of chronic ear disease, relieving pain and improving the quality of life for the affected dog. 

TECA surgery is generally considered a “salvage” procedure in dogs, in that it is carried out when other options have failed, to salvage the patient’s quality of life. As mentioned above, it is typically reserved for cases where chronic ear disease has become refractory to medical treatment. By completely removing the ear canal, the procedure addresses the source of the problem providing definitive relief for the patient. 

While it is highly effective at resolving pain and infection, the procedure is irreversible, and potential complications such as facial nerve injury or hearing loss should be discussed with dog owners before surgery. Postoperative care involves pain management, infection monitoring, and close follow-up to ensure healing and detect any potential complications.

Why Would a Dog Need TECA Surgery?

Chronic ear infections are the primary reason a dog might need TECA surgery. Below are the key factors that might lead to the decision to perform a TECA: 

Chronic Otitis Externa

If your dog has ongoing ear infections despite multiple courses of treatment, they may develop scarring and thickening of the ear canal, making it impossible to clear the infection with standard medications.

Severe Middle Ear Disease

Middle ear infections (otitis media) can extend from the external ear canal. Often they fail to resolve with medical or less invasive surgical treatments. In these circumstances TECA is often performed alongside a lateral bulla osteotomy (LBO) to address the affected middle ear.

Ear Tumors

Tumors in the ear canal or surrounding structures can lead to chronic infections and severe pain. If the tumor is malignant or the ear is severely damaged, TECA surgery might be recommended to remove the problem.

End-Stage Ear Disease

Severe stenosis (narrowing of the canal) or calcification of the ear canal due to disease in the ear can make it impossible for medications to penetrate and treat effectively.

Ear Polyps

These growths in the ear can obstruct the ear canal, leading to infection, inflammation, and discomfort. If they don’t respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary. While more common in cats, they aren’t unheard of in dogs.

Pain Management

If your dog is constantly scratching their ears, shaking their head, or seems to be in pain even with treatment, it might be because the ear canal has undergone inflammatory changes that cause severe pain and discomfort. TECA surgery can relieve this chronic pain.

Perforated Eardrum

In cases where the eardrum has been damaged beyond repair due to repeated infections, TECA surgery may be needed to prevent further complications.

Trauma or Irreparable Damage

Cases of significant ear canal damage due to trauma, such as lacerations or avulsion injuries may require TECA surgery. Often in these cases reconstruction is not a feasible option.

While the idea of surgery can be scary, it’s important to understand that TECA surgery is often the best way to resolve these persistent issues and provide your dog relief from chronic pain and discomfort.

How Is TECA Surgery Performed?

TECA surgery is a major procedure that requires a skilled vet surgeon. The surgery itself typically involves the following steps:

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Before the surgery, your vet will perform a thorough physical examination, including blood tests, to ensure your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia. They may also take X-rays or CT scans of the ear to assess the extent of damage to the ear canal and surrounding structures.

Anesthesia

TECA surgery is a long and technical operation that is very invasive, therefore general anesthesia is required to keep your dog pain-free and still during the procedure.

Incision and Removal of the Ear Canal

The surgeon will make an incision on the ear and carefully remove the entire ear canal. The surrounding tissues may also be removed, including the eardrum, middle ear structures, and any other damaged areas.

Closure

Once the ear canal is removed, the surgical site is closed up with sutures. The incision is usually located at the base of the ear or along the side of the face, depending on the dog’s anatomy.

Post-Operative Care

After the surgery, your dog will be closely monitored in the recovery area. Pain management is a priority, and your vet will prescribe medications to manage any discomfort and prevent infection.

What to Expect Before Surgery

As with any surgery, preparation is key. Here’s what you should know and do before your dog undergoes TECA surgery:

Pre-Surgical Instructions

Your vet will provide instructions on how to prepare your dog for surgery, such as fasting them before surgery for the appropriate amount of time for their age and health. This ensures that your dog is ready for anesthesia and helps to prevent some of the potential complications. Your vet will discuss any medications that need to be given at home and prescribe them for you.  

Understanding the Risks

As with any surgery, TECA carries some risks, including reactions to anesthesia, infection, and bleeding. It’s important to discuss these risks with your vet and ask any questions you may have. 

Set Realistic Expectations

While TECA surgery can provide relief, it is a major procedure, and recovery will take time. Your dog may need a lot of time to adjust to living without an ear canal, but the goal is to eliminate chronic pain and improve their quality of life.

Aftercare and Recovery

The recovery process after TECA surgery is a crucial part of the overall success of the procedure. It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions carefully to ensure your dog heals properly.

Pain Management

Post-surgical pain is common, but your vet will provide appropriate pain relief medication. Your dog will usually receive strong pain relief while staying at the veterinary hospital and then be prescribed some oral medication to go home with. 

Wound Care

The surgical site will require proper cleaning and monitoring. Your vet will arrange regular check-ups to ensure the wound is healing correctly and to prevent any complications.

Activity Restrictions

To ensure the surgical site heals properly, you’ll need to restrict your dog’s activity for a few weeks. This means no running, jumping, or rough play. You may need to keep your dog in a crate in the house and on a short lead for walks. If there are other pets or young children in the household it may be necessary to separate your dog from them so they aren’t able to interfere with the surgical site while it heals. 

Follow-Up Visits

Regular check-ups are important to monitor your dog’s recovery and to ensure there are no signs of infection or complications. Your vet will examine the surgical site and may perform additional diagnostic tests to confirm the success of the surgery.

Long-Term Care

After your dog has recovered from surgery, they will need long-term monitoring. While the ear canal will no longer be there, your dog will likely adapt to the change, and many owners report a significant improvement in their dog’s quality of life post-surgery.

Potential Complications and Concerns

While TECA surgery is generally very effective, like any surgery, it comes with some risks. While most dogs will not suffer significant problems, it’s important to be aware of the potential complications:

Infection 

Post-surgical infections are a risk with any invasive procedure. Keeping the surgical site clean and following your vet’s instructions on antibiotics and wound care can help to minimise this risk. 

Bleeding 

Excessive blood loss can occur during or after surgery, especially due to the rich blood supply in the ear region. There may be some minor bleeding immediately after surgery, but if bleeding continues or becomes severe once your dog has been discharged, you should contact your vet right away.

Ear hematoma

Blood may collect and pool in the ear flap or ear canal, leaving a swelling. This can potentially require further treatment.

Wound dehiscence

The surgical incision may open up or break down. This can delay healing and makes infection more likely so must be monitored closely by your vet. 

Seroma

Fluid can accumulate under the skin around the surgical site. This may require drainage.

In some cases there may also be persistent discharge or fluid leaking from the surgical site. 

Scar tissue formation

In some cases excessive scar tissue may form, this can lead to further complications.

Pain 

Your dog may experience discomfort post-surgery, requiring pain management. Your vet will provide this for as long as necessary. 

Reduced Hearing or Deafness 

The surgery can lead to reduced hearing. The removal of the ear canal will always result in reduced hearing sensitivity. This is similar to the effect of wearing ear plugs or being underwater. In some cases, dogs may be completely deaf in the ear that was operated on.

Vestibular disease/ Balance Issues

Since the ear canal is closely linked to your dog’s sense of balance, it’s possible that your dog may experience mild balance issues immediately following the surgery. These should resolve over time as your dog adjusts to the changes.

Changes in Appearance

Removing the ear canal can significantly alter the appearance of your dog’s ear and their face in general. While this might be unsettling for some owners, the primary goal is to relieve the chronic pain and discomfort that your dog was experiencing.

Recurrence of Infection/ abscess formation

While TECA surgery removes the ear canal, it doesn’t necessarily prevent future infections in the surrounding areas. Regular ear checks and hygiene are still important to maintain ear health.

Facial nerve paralysis

There may be some damage to the facial nerve. This can make the side of the face droop. Your dog may lose the ability to blink and produce tears. The majority of cases of facial nerve paralysis resolve on their own, however if it persists beyond 8 weeks post surgery, then it is more likely to become permanent, 

Horner’s syndrome

This occurs due to damage to the nerves inside the middle ear. It is characterised by protrusion of the third eyelid, a smaller pupil and drooping position of the upper eyelid. It is not very common in dogs and occurs more in cats.

It’s important to monitor your dog closely after the procedure and attend all follow-up appointments to minimise the risk of these complications. 

Conclusion

TECA surgery in dogs is a highly effective solution for those suffering from chronic ear problems that cannot be treated with medications or other less invasive methods. While the procedure itself can be daunting, it often provides significant relief for dogs who have been dealing with chronic pain, discomfort, or recurring ear infections. It is important to have a frank discussion with your vet to determine whether TECA surgery is the right option for your dog. With proper care, recovery, and long-term monitoring, most dogs do very well after the procedure and can go on to lead happy, comfortable lives. 

References and Further Reading