It's a delicate surgery, and unfortunately, it's
unlikely that your dog will be able to hear
after having a total ear canal ablation, also called a TECA. Regardless of how well the surgery is conducted, it's likely that most dogs will suffer from some degree of hearing loss, some more than others.
Can a dog hear after a TECA?
Some dogs are
able to hear sounds at normal volumes after the TECA surgery
. It is not possible to predict how much more hearing loss an individual will experience after TECA.
Can a dog go deaf from an ear infection?
Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and/or persistent signs of Horner's syndrome.
Your dog may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear
. That said, most dogs with otitis interna respond well to medical management.
Can dogs go deaf from ear cleaning?
Conclusions: Deafness may occur in dogs and cats following anesthesia for dental and ear cleaning procedures, but
the prevalence is low
. The hearing loss appears to be permanent. Clinical relevance: Deafness can be a consequence following anesthesia for dental or ear cleaning procedures.
What happens when you remove a dogs ear canal?
In many cases, this
paralysis
is temporary and will resolve without treatment, but in some cases the paralysis may be permanent. Many pet owners expect their dog's hearing to be reduced after surgery, due to the removal of the ear drum.
What is dog TECA?
A Total Ear Canal Ablation
(or TECA) is a procedure that removes the vertical and horizontal ear canals down to the level of the middle ear. Due to the high incidence of middle ear involvement with chronic otitis, the middle ear is also cleaned out using a technique called a lateral bulla osteotomy.
Can deafness in dogs be cured?
While
there is no definitive cure for deafness
, your veterinarian can treat for any underlying health issues that may be causing the hearing loss, including ear infections, blocked ear canals and medication toxicity.
How do I know if my dog has gone deaf?
- Show a change in obedience or attentiveness.
- Appear unresponsive to everyday sounds, such as the doorbell or vacuum.
- Appear unresponsive to his/her name.
- Fail to respond to familiar verbal commands.
- Be difficult to rouse from sleep.
- Be less active.
- Bark excessively.
Can a dog's hearing be restored?
Some causes of
deafness in dogs can be reversed
; others cannot. 1 For example, infections and injuries to the ear or brain may respond to treatment, but sometimes the damage caused is irreversible. Your veterinarian should be able to give you an idea of your dog's prognosis.
At what age do dogs go deaf?
Senile deafness develops gradually, typically occurring at
about 13 years of age
. Many older dogs lose their hearing but never become completely deaf; however, the loss that has already occurred is permanent. Temporary deafness is often the result of buildup within the ear canals.
How quickly can dogs go deaf?
If the animal is observed on its own, after an age when responses to sound are predictable (
about 3 to 4 weeks for dogs
), then the deafness may be detected.
Can deaf dogs have puppies?
Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how a deaf puppy will turn out.
Unilaterally deaf dogs can make good pets but should not be bred
. When deafness is uncommon in a breed, affected dogs should not be bred, but this does not mean that all related dogs are a risk and must be retired from breeding.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from ear surgery?
Most pets recover quickly following ear canal removal. Strict rest is advised for
two weeks
to ensure incision healing but most patients seem eager to return to full activity long before this period of rest is complete.
How do you fix chronic ear infections in dogs?
Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog's ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe
oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications
.
What do I do if my dog has ear mites?
Clean all bedding, linens, furniture and flooring. The ears should be thoroughly cleaned with an
ear cleaner
that is formulated for dogs. Your veterinarian may prescribe an ear medication for dogs to eliminate secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Prescription flea and tick treatments should also be administered.
