Inflammatory polyps of the middle ear in 5 dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe inflammatory polyps of the middle ear in 5 dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series.

ANIMALS

Five dogs with ear disease.

METHODS

Medical records (1995-2001) were reviewed to identify dogs with inflammatory polyps of the middle ear. Signalment, clinical signs, ancillary diagnostic procedures, treatment, postoperative complications, and outcome were recorded. Owners and referring veterinarians were contacted to document outcome.

RESULTS

Dogs with inflammatory polyps of the middle ear were male and aged 4 to 13 years. Two dogs had bilateral polyps, whereas 3 had unilateral polyps. The most common clinical presentation was otitis externa and media, with radiographic evidence of otitis media. Polyps were treated by ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) in 1 dog and total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO) in 4 dogs. Polyps consisted of a fibrovascular stroma infiltrated with neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The overlying epithelium was frequently ulcerated. Immediate postoperative complications included a seroma after VBO (1 dog) and transient unilateral facial nerve paralysis after bilateral TECA-LBO (1 dog). No recurrence occurred within 9 to 69 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral or bilateral, inflammatory polyps can occur in the middle ear of dogs in association with otitis externa and media. No recurrence occurred after surgical removal of the polyps.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammatory polyps of the middle ear in dogs can be a cause of otitis externa/media. Surgical removal of aural polyps has a good prognosis.