Clinical outcomes of lateral ear canal resection performed in routine clinical practice for chronic otitis externa in dogs a retrospective descriptive study of 58 ears (2016-2025).

Clinical Context

Peer-reviewed veterinary literature continues to shape everyday decision-making for canine patients, especially when new evidence clarifies diagnosis, treatment selection, monitoring, or clinical outcomes.

What the Study Evaluated

A study published in The Journal of small animal practice in 2026 evaluated clinical outcomes of lateral ear canal resection performed in routine clinical practice for chronic otitis externa in dogs: a retrospective descriptive study of 58 ears (2016-2025)..

Key Findings

To retrospectively evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of lateral ear canal resection performed as part of routine clinical practice for chronic otitis externa in dogs, and to re-evaluate the practical utility of lateral ear canal resection from the perspective of contemporary treatment goals emphasising long-term maintenance of a manageable condition. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted involving 40 dogs (58 ears) that underwent lateral ear canal resection performed by a single non-specialist surgeon at a single primary care facility between May 2016 and March 2025, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months....

Why It Matters for Veterinary Professionals

For veterinary professionals, the practical value of this work lies in how the findings may support more structured clinical assessment, clearer monitoring, and more informed decisions for canine patients.

Practical Interpretation

The results should be interpreted in the context of the study design, population, inclusion criteria, and clinical setting. Application in practice should consider patient-specific risk factors, available diagnostics, local standards of care, and clinician judgment.

Clinical Takeaway

Overall, the study adds useful evidence for clinicians seeking to align daily practice with current veterinary research while maintaining a balanced, case-by-case approach.

• Read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42348344/