If you’ve never heard of an ear canal ablation before, it means your dog’s ears are healthy. However, some dogs may need this surgical procedure if they have issues like ruptured eardrums, ear infections, cancer, or perforation in their ear canals. Although a total ear canal ablation (TECA) can help with these problems, it often results in some degree of hearing loss. If you’re unsure if your dog needs a TECA, there are signs you can look out for.
Signs Your Dog Might Need an Ear Canal Ablation:
Common signs that your dog may need a TECA include frequent ear infections, crust or scabs on the outer ear, hair loss around the ears, obvious hearing loss, blood or discharge from the ears, excessive head shaking and ear tilting, loss of coordination, and other serious issues. These signs indicate the need for a TECA procedure.
Body Language:
Your dog’s body language can also provide clues about the need for a TECA. Signs to look out for include alertness, head tilting, shaking, weakness, sweaty paws, dropped ears, ears back, and ears up.
Other Signs:
Additional signs that may indicate the need for a TECA include red or inflamed inner ears, a cauliflower appearance of the ear canal, scabbing or crusting, chronic ear infections, coordination malfunctions, hearing loss, ear discharge, and bloody ears.
Historic Reasons for a TECA:
Dogs often undergo TECA procedures for various reasons. Chronic ear infections are a common cause, as they can cause serious damage if left untreated. Other reasons for a TECA include infection, tumors, ruptured eardrums, perforated ear canals, and cancer.
The Science Behind a TECA:
A TECA procedure involves the removal of the distended ear canal and infected tissue from the middle ear. Drains are inserted to allow for drainage of any remaining infection. The removal of the middle ear affects the dog’s ability to hear, as it alters the shape of the ear canal.
Training Your Dog to Cope with Hearing Loss:
If your dog experiences significant hearing loss after a TECA, there are training techniques and modifications you can make to help them adjust. Monitoring your dog closely and using hand signals for commands can aid in their understanding. It’s also important to approach your dog carefully and teach others to do so as well, as a deaf dog may be easily startled.
“Embrace the challenge of training and supporting your deaf dog – their love knows no bounds.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Look out for signs that your dog might need a total ear canal ablation (TECA) procedure, such as frequent ear infections, hair loss around the ears, and hearing loss. If you notice these signs, it’s worth taking your dog to the vet to discuss potential hearing issues and the need for a TECA.
2️⃣ Understand that a TECA procedure will likely result in hearing loss for your dog. This surgery is delicate and involves removing the middle ear, which can help cure issues like ear infections and perforated eardrums. However, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of hearing loss and to make adjustments to help your dog cope.
3️⃣ After a TECA procedure, train your dog to cope with hearing loss by using hand signals instead of verbal commands. Monitor your dog closely and teach them to stick close to you for safety. It’s also important to re-learn how to approach your dog and teach others to be sensitive to their ear issues.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What is a total ear canal ablation?
– A total ear canal ablation is a surgical procedure that involves removing the middle ear or tympanic bulla in dogs.
2. What are the signs that a dog might need an ear canal ablation?
– Signs that a dog might need an ear canal ablation include frequent ear infections, crust or scabs on the outer ear, hair loss around the ears, hearing loss, blood or discharge from the ears, excessive head shaking, and loss of coordination.
3. What are the historic reasons for a dog to undergo a total ear canal ablation?
– Dogs typically undergo total ear canal ablation procedures due to chronic ear infections, infection, tumors, ruptured eardrums, perforated ear canals, or cancer.
4. How is a total ear canal ablation performed?
– During a total ear canal ablation, the distended ear canal is removed, the middle ear is opened and infected tissue is removed, drains are inserted to allow infection to drain out, and the incision is closed for healing.
5. How can you train a dog to cope with hearing loss after a total ear canal ablation?
– Training techniques for coping with hearing loss include monitoring the dog closely, teaching hand signals for commands, rewarding with affection and treats, and being sensitive to the dog’s ear issues when approaching them.
