Passive Drainage Versus Primary Closure After Total Ear Canal Ablation‐Lateral Bulla Osteotomy in Dogs: 59 Dogs (1985–1995)

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Abstract
Objective‐ Compare passive wound drainage to primary closure of total ear canal ablation‐lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA‐LBO) in dogs. Study Design‐ Retrospective analysis of medical records. Sample Population‐ Fifty‐nine dogs with end‐stage otitis externa or neoplasia of the external and middle ear. Methods‐ Medical records of dogs with TECA‐LBO were reviewed. Dogs were divided into postoperative drain and primary closure groups. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences in data for signalment, preoperative treatment, duration of hospitalization, immediate complications, and long‐term complications between groups. Results‐ No significant differences were detected in signalment, diagnosis, and duration of medical management between groups (P >.05). Duration of hospitalization was greater for dogs in the drain group (P <.05). Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 26 of 59 dogs and included ipsilateral facial palsy, incision swelling, vestibular signs, premature drain removal, and one dog died of aspiration pneumonia. Long‐term (>6 months) complications were identified in 12 of 50 dogs and included dermatitis of the medial aspect of the pinna, chronic fistula formation, and permanent facial paralysis. No association between immediate or long term complications and method of closure was identified. Conclusions‐ Primary closure is an acceptable alternative in dogs undergoing TECA‐LBO when surgical wound dead space can be managed with meticulous hemostasis, complete debridement of devitalized tissue, and accurate apposition of tissue planes.