Surgical and dermatological management of asymptomatic congenital ear canal atresia in a male Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog

A 1‐year‐old, male, entire Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was evaluated for asymptomatic right congenital ear canal atresia. Head computed tomography confirmed congenital ear canal atresia diagnosis. Surgical resection and anastomosis of the ear canal followed by video otoscopy was performed. An intact, but flaccid tympanic membrane, suspected from impacted ear canal debris, was identified. One week postoperatively, bilateral yeast otitis externa was diagnosed and successfully treated with topical anti‐fungal therapy. Five months postoperatively, the stoma remained patent, the dog was asymptomatic, and computed tomography with video otoscopy revealed a taut tympanic membrane bulging into the horizontal ear canal. Myringotomy, cytology, bacterial cultures, susceptibility testing, middle ear saline lavage and pre‐emptive topical antibiotic therapy were pursued. Cultures yielded no bacterial growth. Four weeks later, the tympanic membrane was visibly normal, and the stoma was unchanged. This case report is the first to describe interdisciplinary management of asymptomatic congenital ear canal atresia and might support early surgical intervention as a reasonable option.