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

Introduction: 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. Methods: 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 cross-sectionally evaluated. Imaging was reviewed for evidence of external, middle, and inner ear disease. Periodontal disease and tooth resorption were recorded to assess for potential associations. Results: Ear disease was diagnosed in 151/352 dogs (42.6%), predominantly involving the external ear canal (148 dogs). Thirty dogs had middle ear involvement, and three dogs had inner ear disease; some dogs had ear disease in multiple otic compartments. These findings exceeded previously reported clinical prevalence estimates of ear disease in dogs. No significant association was identified between CBCT-diagnosed ear disease and either periodontal disease or tooth resorption. Discussion: CBCT identified ear disease in nearly half of the evaluated dogs. Although no meaningful association was found between ear disease and dental pathology, these findings highlight the diagnostic value of CBCT beyond oral health evaluation in dogs.