Prevalence of ear disease in small-breed dogs undergoing cone-beam computed tomography for dental procedures.

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 Frontiers in veterinary science in 2026 evaluated prevalence of ear disease in small-breed dogs undergoing cone-beam computed tomography for dental procedures..

Key Findings

Following periodontal disease, ear disease is one of the most frequently reported diseases in dogs. Ear disease often remains undiagnosed due to the vague or absent nature of its clinical signs. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), now widely used in the specialty of veterinary dentistry, enables concurrent assessment of ear structures during comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT). This study evaluated the prevalence of ear disease in small-breed dogs undergoing CBCT during COHAT procedures. Dogs over 1 year of age and under 25.5 lbs. (~11.5 kg) that underwent CBCT as part of COHAT were prospectively enrolled and...

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/42100226/