A lateral approach to subtotal bulla osteotomy and horizontal ear canal ablation to reduce the degree of head tilt due to chronic otitis media‐interna in a Guernsey dairy heifer that showed seroconversion to <i>Mycoplasma bovis</i>

Abstract Otitis media caused by Mycoplasma bovis infection is well recognised in calves in the UK and worldwide and often results in head tilt, which may not respond to antimicrobial therapy with or without non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. This paper describes a surgical approach to reduce the degree of head tilt in a 5‐month‐old Guernsey heifer. Pre‐operatively, the degree of tilt to the horizontal was approximately 75° to the right. A lateral approach to subtotal bulla osteotomy with horizontal ear canal ablation was performed under general anaesthesia. Curettage of the thickened membranous lining of the tympanic bulla was performed and an in‐dwelling cannula and Penrose drain were inserted. Post‐operative treatment included twice daily flushing with 1% povidone‐iodine solution. On Day 13 post‐surgery, the degree of head tilt had reduced to 25°, by 6 weeks was 15° and was 10° by 6 months.