Any veterinarians on here familiar with TECA?

[JasonT]

I have a 3 year old English bulldog that’s has had chronic ear infections for quite some time. The cartilage has calcified and his ear canal has basically been swollen shut for a long time. I have been seeing a specialist and under their advisement he is getting TECA surgery tomorrow morning, and now I’m starting to get nervous about putting him through this. They did say we could try and manage it with constant meds but that hasn’t been working and I’m sure he is in pain or at least very uncomfortable.
One of my issues is I am in a small town so I had to travel a couple hrs to meet with specialist so I really don’t know them, just what I’ve read and who my local vet recommended.

Has anyone’s dog had this surgery or any vets on here that could help ease my mind on going through with this and dog losing his hearing in that ear for good?

Thanks!

 

[Bigred323]

If it’s gotten to the point where they believe a TECA is the best option, most of the time they’ve either lost their hearing already or have very minimal hearing anyway due to whatever disease process it is. Pretty technical surgery, but once you remove all that nasty/diseased tissue, it can improve their overall quality of life. All that ear is doing is essentially causing problems and can’t be “cured” with meds due to the chronic severe sclerosis. You’re essentially getting rid of the problem for good (as long as surgery goes well) and won’t have to deal with the ear issues anymore.

Have you consulted with a dermatologist by any chance?

 

[JasonT]

Yes I have been going to a dermatologist. Once my local vet couldn’t get the ear infection under control he referred me to a dermatologist.
We are getting ready to head out and drop him off for surgery.
He has turned into one expensive dog, lol.

Thank you

 

[dr.mooseknuckles]

You'll be happy you did it. Everyone I've referred for the surgery has wished they'd done it sooner.
Realistically, he's not hearing much in that ear if his issues have been chronic.

The big thing for him is really the anesthesia since he's an English Bulldog, but at the specialty clinic's they'll be able to keep a close eye on him and he's young so that's in his favor.

Hope things work out well!

 

[EastHumboldt]

Yes I have been going to a dermatologist. Once my local vet couldn’t get the ear infection under control he referred me to a dermatologist.
We are getting ready to head out and drop him off for surgery.
He has turned into one expensive dog, lol.

Thank you

I have no advice about the surgery, but I have a 16 pound terrier mix into which we’ve invested nearly $5000 in surgery. Doing the math in my head, that’s about $330 a pound? He’s a character and a hoot to have around, he’s also my hot water bottle at night. So I figure he’s worth every penny.

 

[JasonT]

The pup came home today. Doc said it was a tough surgery, his ear canal and middle ear almost completely turned to bone. Said it was a very good choice to have it done. Doesn’t look nearly as bad as I thought it would.

No more ear canal.