ABSTRACT
Total ear ablation is performed to remove the entire cartilaginous ear canal. It is most often combined with lateral bulla osteotomy since otitis media is a common complication of severe, chronic otitis externa. ii. Criteria used to choose the appropriate procedure are the extent and severity of disease. Mild to moderate chronic otitis externa without marked epithelial hyperplasia often responds better to medical therapy after lateral ear canal resection. Lateral canal resection is indicated only if the horizontal canal is patent. If the vertical canal is severely affected or a tumor is present, and the horizontal canal is patent, vertical ear canal ablation is indicated. Complete ear canal ablation is indicated if hyperplastic or neoplastic tissue extends to the horizontal canal or bulla. iii. To properly determine the severity and extent of ear disease, physical, neurologic and otoscopic (may need to be performed after anesthesia) examination are performed. Radiographs are made of the bullae, including left and right lateral oblique views, and an open-mouth rostrocaudal view. Changes seen include calcification of the external ear canal, thickening of the bullae walls and increased opacity of the bullae chambers.
199 Burns from heating devices used during surgery occur from prolonged contact with a moderate heat source. Burns usually occur with solid pad heating elements and very rarely with flowing warm water pads. Pad temperature should not exceed 42°C and immobile animals are moved regularly to avoid prolonged contact between one area of skin and the heat source. The limb wound (3) is a mixture of first, second and third degree burns. The first and second degree burns have healed, causing areas of hairlessness and epithelialization. All three third degree burns were originally covered with a coagulum of scab and dried skin. This eschar was removed from the hind limb wound (3) and it is now healing by contraction and epithelialization. Because of adequate loose skin in this area, healing will be complete and contracture deformity will not occur. The other two wounds are covered with a leathery eschar which prevents wound contraction. Early in care, dried eschars are removed slowly by lifting the edges as much as the patient allows on a regular basis.
