# Anaesthetic Complications in Dogs Undergoing Total Ear Canal Ablation and Ventral Bulla Osteotomy: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

## TL;DR

This study examines anesthesia complications in dogs undergoing a specific ear surgery, aiming to improve surgical safety and outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides a retrospective analysis of anesthesia-related complications in TECA-BO procedures in dogs.

## Key findings

- Anaesthesia-related complications were observed in dogs undergoing TECA-BO surgery.
- The study identified potential risk factors for these complications over a 14-year period.
- Findings may help improve anaesthetic management and surgical outcomes in veterinary practice.

## Abstract

Total Ear Canal Ablation with Bulla Osteotomy (TECA-BO) is a surgical procedure commonly performed in dogs for the management of chronic otitis media or otitis interna, particularly in cases where medical treatment has proven ineffective or when the patient’s temperament makes ongoing medical management impractical. While TECA-BO is often necessary to improve a dog’s quality of life, anaesthesia-related complications during the procedure can contribute to an increased risk of postoperative complications, potentially affecting recovery and overall surgical outcomes. This study aims to report and analyse various complications associated with TECA-BO, assess their frequency, and evaluate their impact on patient recovery. Additionally, it aims to provide valuable insights into the quality of anaesthesia care provided in a referral hospital setting, helping to identify potential areas for improvement in perioperative management.

Canine otitis, a prevalent and often recurrent condition in small animal veterinary medicine, can lead to severe and chronic ear disease, necessitating surgical intervention when medical management fails. In advanced cases, Total Ear Canal Ablation with Bulla Osteotomy (TECA-BO) is frequently considered the most effective treatment option to alleviate pain, resolve infection, and improve the overall quality of life of affected dogs. However, as with any major surgical procedure, TECA-BO carries inherent risks, particularly those related to anaesthesia. This single-centre retrospective study aims to evaluate and characterise anaesthesia-related complications in dogs undergoing TECA-BO surgery. The study analyses data from canine patients that underwent the procedure at a specialised veterinary referral centre over a 14-year period spanning from 2007 to 2021. The primary objective is to determine the incidence of anaesthesia-related complications and to identify any potential risk factors that may contribute to their occurrence. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the incidence of complications, with Fisher’s Exact Test being used to assess the significance of observed differences. The significance level was set at p = 0.05 to determine whether specific variables had a meaningful impact on anaesthesia-related complications. The findings of this study may help inform clinical decision-making, optimise anaesthetic management strategies, and ultimately improve the safety and success of TECA-BO procedures in veterinary practice.