ABSTRACT
Vertical canal ablation is removal of the entire vertical ear canal. This procedure is used when a healthy horizontal canal is present and the vertical canal is significantly diseased. The vertical canal ablation has some benefits over lateral wall resection. These benefits include total removal of the vertical canal tissue, less postoperative exudate, less postoperative pain, and less incised cartilage resulting in better healing. Total ear canal ablation requires removal of both the vertical and the horizontal ear canals. This procedure is almost always combined with a lateral bulla osteotomy to provide access to the bulla. ii. This dog should have a total ear canal ablation with bulla osteotomy (TECABO). TECABO is indicated in dogs with canal hyperplasia, stenosis or calcification. Additionally, it is recommended that Cocker Spaniels with recurrent otitis externa undergo TECABO.
