Lateral ear canal resection is a procedure used to manage chronic ear disease, particularly in dogs that have ongoing inflammation or recurrent infections affecting the external ear canal. The procedure can also be performed in cats. The surgery involves removing part of the outer ear canal to create a wider opening, allowing better ventilation and drainage.
Chronic ear disease can develop for several reasons, including:
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Recurrent bacterial or yeast infections
Narrow ear canals
Excess hair within the ear canal
Underlying skin disease
Over time, repeated inflammation can lead to thickening and narrowing of the ear canal, making infections more difficult to treat and increasing discomfort.
Dogs and cats with chronic ear disease may show a range of symptoms, including:
Head shaking
Scratching at the ears
Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Discharge from the ears
Unpleasant odour
Pain when the ears are touched
Recurrent ear infections
In many cases, ear disease can be managed with medical treatment. However, if this is not effective or the condition becomes recurrent, surgery may be recommended to improve long-term control and comfort.
If left untreated, chronic ear disease can progress and lead to more severe changes within the ear, sometimes requiring more extensive surgery.
Early intervention and appropriate management are important to improve comfort and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Surgical Management for Chronic Ear Disease
Surgery is recommended for animals with chronic ear disease where medical management has not been sufficient to control the condition. A lateral ear canal resection improves airflow and drainage within the ear, helping to reduce inflammation and the frequency of infections.
The procedure involves removing part of the outer wall of the ear canal to create a wider opening. This allows air to circulate more effectively and helps prevent the build-up of moisture, debris and infection within the ear. By improving access to the ear canal, it also makes ongoing cleaning and treatment more effective.
This surgery is most beneficial in cases where disease is limited to the external ear canal and has not progressed to more advanced or irreversible changes.
We offer lateral ear canal resection at Animal Trust for a fixed cost of £719, which includes up to 2 nights post-operative hospitalisation, pain relief, antibiotics (if required), and pre-operative blood tests.
*In some cases, additional investigations of ear disease such as culture of ear swabs may be recommended prior to surgery. These would incur additional costs depending on what is required.
Post-Operative Care for Ear Lateral Wall Resection Surgery
Post-operative care is important for a smooth recovery following lateral ear canal resection. Your pet will require monitoring and supportive care to manage pain and allow the ear to heal.
Hospitalisation: Some patients can go home the same day once they have recovered from anaesthesia, although others may require a longer stay depending on their condition.
Pain management: Pain relief is provided to keep your pet comfortable during recovery, with medication continued at home as needed.
Medication: Oral medication may be prescribed to help manage inflammation or infection during healing.
Activity restriction: Activity should be limited for 10–14 days to allow healing. Jumping, running or rough play should be avoided during this time.
Wound care: The surgical site should be kept clean and dry, and checked daily for any signs of redness, swelling or discharge. A buster collar will be required to prevent your pet from scratching or interfering with the surgical site.
Monitoring: Owners should monitor for signs such as head shaking, discharge, swelling, bleeding or discomfort, and report any concerns promptly.
Follow-up care: Patients are usually reviewed 7–10 days after surgery to assess healing and, if required, remove any sutures. Ongoing ear management may still be needed to control underlying disease. Post-operative checks are included in the surgery fee.
Further reading: Ear Infections in Cats, Ear Infections in Dogs
