Cosmetic results of a ventrally based advancement flap for closure of total ear canal ablations in 6 cats: 2002-2003.

Objective: To report the outcome of a modified total ear canal ablation (TECA) technique to maintain normal ear carriage in cats.
Study Design: Case series.
Animals: Six cats with external ear canal disease.
Methods: Medical records were reviewed to identify cats in which a modified TECA using a single pedicle advancement flap was used to maintain normal ear carriage. Signalment, histopathologic diagnosis, complications, and outcome were retrieved. Owners were contacted to document long-term outcome.
Results: Modified TECA procedures (7) were performed in 6 cats. Normal ear carriage was present immediately after surgery and was preserved at follow-up interview. Owners were satisfied with cosmetic appearance. Histopathologic diagnosis of excised ear masses included ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma (2 cats), ceruminous gland adenoma (2 cats, 3 ears), and inflammatory polyp (2 cats).
Conclusions: Modification of the TECA skin incision preserved normal ear carriage in all cats. Owners were satisfied with overall outcome and with cosmetic result. Rate and nature of complications were similar to previously published data.
Clinical Relevance: A simple modification of the TECA skin incision to create a single pedicle advancement flap maintains normal ear carriage in cats.