EXPRESS: Modified transcanal perendoscopic myringotomy and septotomy technique for cats with otitis media – a retrospective study of 38 cats

ObjectivesThis study solely aims to describe a convenient minimally invasive technique for access to the ventromedial compartment of the middle ear in cats with polypoid or non-polypoid otitis media.MethodsPatients' records were retrospectively retrieved from cats with otic symptoms. Cats were included based on the presence of fluid/soft tissue within the tympanic cavity on CT imaging, abnormal tympanic membranes on oto-endoscopy and/or abnormal auditory tube openings upon nasopharyngoscopy.ResultsA total of 38 cats with uni- or bilateral bulla effusion and endoscopic abnormalities were included and 43 ears were treated. On CT, all treated ears had effusion of both dorsolateral and ventromedial compartments. Otoscopy revealed an abnormal tympanic membrane in 93% (discoloration in 28%, bulging in 28%, rupture in 16% and a protruding polyp in 21%). On normograde nasopharyngoscopy, the ipsilateral auditory tube was visibly open in 81% and partly or completely obstructed with discharge or polypous material in 19%. A transcanal perendoscopic myringotomy and septotomy using a 1-mm rigid Frazier suction tube was performed in all cases. During treatment, inflammation of the mucosal lining in the bulla was seen in all ears, with intracavital polyp formation in 33%, which was subsequently perendoscopically debrided. All cats were treated with a 7-day course of doxycycline and a tapering course of prednisolone. No procedure-related complications were seen intra- or postoperatively to discharge.Conclusion and relevanceTranscanal perendoscopic myringotomy and septotomy in cats is a rapid, minimally invasive and apparently safe technique which allows access to both compartments of the feline middle ear. Short- and long-term outcome have to be evaluated in future research.