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Brain Teaser: A cocker spaniel needs a total ear canal ablation (TECA)

Can you answer these three questions?

July 29, 2021

By Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified

Presentation

A cocker spaniel needs a total ear canal ablation (TECA).

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Others

Question 1: What are classic signs that justify a TECA?
	Calcified ear canals and failure of medical management
	Skin allergies and smelly ears
	Ear scratching and inability to pill the patient

Question 2: What are possible complications of a TECA?
	Facial paralysis and loss of bark
	Facial paralysis and self-trauma to the tongue
	Facial paralysis and loss of the palpebral reflex

Question 3: What is the typical long-term outcome of a TECA?
	Good to excellent results
	Common infection recurrence
	Deafness and severe pain