Para‐aural abscessation following traumatic ear canal separation in a dog

Traumatic ear canal separation is rare in animals, with only eight dogs and one cat reported with the condition in the English language literature. Para‐aural abscessation occurred in six of these nine animals. Diagnosis was made on otoscopic observation of a shortened, abruptly ending external ear canal that was free from advanced disease. Radiographs in those cases which have been described showed a disruption of the normal air opacity of the affected ear canal. Drainage, by creating a separate opening for the horizontal ear canal, or total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA/LBO), have led to resolution of the clinical signs. This report adds a further case to the literature in which TECA/LBO was employed successfully.