Name
Ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in rabbits: Retrospective evaluation of 24 surgeries
Speakers
Description
Surgical management of otitis media/externa has been reported to provide favorable outcomes in pet rabbits, though up to 65% of cases experience postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate complication rates, outcomes, and bacteriologic data for ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy surgeries at one institution and to compare these results with previously published data. Medical records from 2013 to 2025 for rabbits who underwent ear surgery were extracted. Ear conformation, surgical type, culture results, complications, and resolution of complications were analyzed. 18 rabbits underwent 24 ear surgeries. The most common preoperative clinical signs were facial nerve paralysis (42%) and aural base abscesses (38%). 21 ears (88%) underwent partial ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. 17 rabbits (94%) survived surgery, and no rabbits died after anesthetic recovery. 17/24 (71%) surgeries resulted in at least one postoperative complication. The most common complications were facial nerve paralysis (38%) and corneal ulcers (33%). 55% of complications resolved. Surgically induced facial nerve paralysis resolved in only one case. No rabbits experienced recurrence of infection or postoperative drainage from the surgical site. The complication rates in the present study are comparable to published data, but show a higher incidence of facial nerve paralysis and a lower incidence of infection recurrence and mortality. This study demonstrates that institutional variation leads to differences in complication rates following ear surgery in rabbits, underscoring the need for individualized evaluation to ensure proper management of postoperative complications.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)