TECA surgery may be recommended for dogs or cats with severe, long-term ear disease (otitis) that is no longer responding to medical treatment. This condition is often very painful and can affect your pet’s comfort and quality of life, sometimes leading to signs such as a head tilt or balance problems.
TECA surgery may also be recommended for masses or polyps affecting the ear canal or middle ear, particularly when these cannot be managed medically. TECA surgery is typically recommended when other treatments have not been successful in controlling the condition.
Surgical Management
TECA surgery involves complete removal of the ear canal, leaving the external ear flap (pinna) intact. The middle ear (tympanic bulla) is also opened, cleaned, and flushed.
We offer TECA surgery at Animal Trust for a fixed cost of £1019*, which includes up to 2 nights post-operative hospitalisation, pain relief, antibiotics (if required), and selected laboratory tests.
CT scans may be recommended for surgical planning and assessment. These cost £419 without specialist interpretation, or £1019 if interpretation by a third-party specialist is required.
*Preoperative blood tests and swabs taken during surgery are included in this cost. However, laboratory analysis for masses or polyps, if required, is not included.
Potential Complications
TECA surgery can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. However, as with any major surgery, there are potential risks and complications. Potential complications include:
Facial nerve paralysis: This can result in facial drooping, inability to blink, and difficulty eating or drinking. Temporary changes are relatively common following surgery and usually improve over a few weeks. In a small number of cases, the changes may be permanent, and long-term eye lubrication may be required.
Vestibular syndrome: This can cause balance problems, a head tilt, and abnormal eye movements (nystagmus). These signs usually improve over a few days but may be quite noticeable initially. Short-term hospitalisation may be recommended during this period.
Abscess formation: An abscess may develop in the space where the ear canal was removed, leading to swelling, pain, and discharge. This can occur months after surgery and may require further treatment or surgery.
Haemorrhage: In rare cases, significant bleeding can occur during surgery, which may require additional intervention.
Altered ear position: Some animals may hold their ear differently following surgery. This is most noticeable in dogs with upright ears.
Hearing loss: Many patients have reduced hearing prior to surgery; however, following TECA surgery, significant or complete hearing loss is expected.
Post-Operative Care
Patients may remain in hospital following surgery (up to 2 nights of hospitalisation are included in the cost of the procedure).
A protective collar (buster collar) must be worn to prevent interference with the surgical site. Pain relief, and sometimes antibiotics, will be prescribed for use at home.
Dogs should be restricted to short lead walks, and cats should be kept indoors in a confined area, for 2 weeks following surgery.
Post-operative checks will be booked at the clinic to monitor healing.
