Traumatic ear canal separations and para-aural abscessation in three dogs.

Three dogs were presented for para-aural abscessation. Ear canal separations were suspected preoperatively, based on histories of trauma, physical examination findings of minimally inflamed external ear canals with abrupt endings, and radiographic evidence of discontinuity of the ear canals. Concurrent otitis media, based on radiographic findings, was diagnosed in all three dogs. Disruptions of the external ear canals were confirmed at surgery, and the dogs each responded to total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy.