French Bulldog Otitis Ear Disease Surgery
Good morning, Dr. Kraemer
Dr. Kraemer, I would like to ask what treatment you would give a French Bulldog who has Otitis ear problems when he has been prescribed antibiotics in tablet form.
I have attached his vet’s report, which states that the only solution is surgery.
Thanks
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 5 years ago
Answer for French Bulldog Otitis Ear Disease Surgery
Dear Diane, otitis is a prevalent issue in bulldogs and French bulldogs, often manifesting early in their lives. This commonality can be attributed to the inherent combination of compressed facial anatomy in these breeds.
This anatomical feature results in the narrowing of the ear canal, inadequate self-cleaning of the canal, and a predisposition to allergies within the breed.
Answer for French Bulldog Otitis Ear Disease PREVENTIVE CARE:
If you’ve perused my “Bulldog Prevent & Treat” articles, you’re aware that the key to averting bulldog otitis and chronic ear disease lies in regular early-weekly ear wiping, cleaning, and rinsing. The most cost-effective and efficient approach is, indeed, prevention.
A weekly ear flush with a product like
- V4B Bully Ear Cleanser WaxLess Wips
- V4B, Yeasty Bully Ears Flush
- V4B Bully Drying & Acidifying WaxLess Rinse
It is not clear from the report you posted the extent and chronicity of your bulldog ear disease.
Answer for French Bulldog Otitis Ear Disease DIAGNOSIS:
The culture is typically insignificant (yours revealed a common gram-positive staph).
I’ve come across many second-opinion cases that endured unnecessary pain and wasteful expenditures for what was an obvious irreversible, calcified, and sometimes ossified end-stage bulldog ear canal disease.
Those unfortunate pets and owners had, among other
- cultures
- cytology
- anesthetic deep-ear flush
- multiple treatments, some potentially harmful
The closed stenotic calcified bulldog ear canal’s only long-term-worthy solution is a total ear canal resection (TECA)
Answer for French Bulldog End-Stage Ear Disease
Nothing other than TECA w BO (total ear canal resection with bulla osteotomy) will help those painful end-stage stenotic bulldog ear canals.
BULLDOG VESTIBULAR PROBLEMS
I am concerned about the vestibular issue you mentioned (the vestibular nerve is located in your bulldog’s inner ear). Therefore, before moving forward, I suggest obtaining a CT image for further evaluation.
Answer for French Bulldog Otitis Ear Disease Recommendations:
Ear disease, especially in its end stage, is painful, necessitating the provision of pain relief.
PALLIATIVE PAIN RELIEF TREATMENT
Frequently, I can determine the necessity of a TECA (total ear canal ablation) through digital palpation of the external canal and a visual examination.
Any interventions undertaken until a TECA is performed would be focused on palliative treatments aimed at managing pain.
OTOSCOPIC EXAM UNDER SEDATION
There are instances where the initial segment of the ear canal seems manageable. However, upon further examination using an otoscope, it becomes evident that this is not the case. Sedation is typically necessary for a thorough otoscopic examination. Tumors and polyps in the horizontal canal serve as examples of such cases.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN
A computed tomography scan (CT) is recommended especially in the presence of neurological problems
Answer for French Bulldog Otitis Ear Disease PAIN MANAGEMENT:
Bulldog otitis can be very painful, I recommend that you keep any bulldog or French bulldog suffering from advanced ear disease on pain management, such as NASID’s
You can also combine that with nonprescription supplements like the
If only one ear is affected, it is crucial to dedicate yourself to lifelong preventive care to safeguard the health of the other ear.
BULLDOG ALLERGIES:
Manage your bulldog and French bulldog allergies.
Answer for French Bulldog Otitis Ear Canal Surgery
Ensure that the surgeon possesses ample experience and has successfully executed this intricate and time-consuming procedure numerous times.
Emphasizing this point is crucial, given the presence of vital nerves and structures situated near or within the ear canal.
Thorough cleaning of the bulla is essential, as leaving behind infected tissue could result in a persistent draining tract and abscess.
Good Luck and keep us posted
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
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