Clinical Survey of Canine Ear Conditions Requiring Surgical Management in Ibadan Veterinary Practice

Otologic conditions in dogs, particularly those requiring surgical intervention, represent a significant component of companion animal practice at veterinary clinics in South Western Nigeria. This clinical survey documents the types, frequency, and surgical management of ear conditions in dogs presented at veterinary clinics in Ibadan, Oyo State, from March 2022 to March 2024. One hundred and twelve dogs with otologic complaints were enrolled. Clinical examination, otoscopy, cytological evaluation of aural discharge, and imaging were used to characterize lesions. Surgical interventions including lateral wall resection, total ear canal ablation, and aural hematoma correction were documented and evaluated for outcomes. Chronic otitis externa complicated by bacterial and yeast infections was the most frequent diagnosis, identified in 53% of cases. Aural hematoma occurred in 29% of enrolled patients, predominantly as a secondary consequence of head shaking from underlying otitis. Cocker Spaniels and Boerboels were overrepresented across all otologic diagnoses. Total ear canal ablation was indicated in 18% of chronic refractory cases. Postoperative outcomes were satisfactory in 85% of surgically managed animals when combined with targeted antimicrobial therapy. The study highlights the importance of early otologic treatment before disease progression necessitates destructive surgical procedures. Veterinary practitioners in Ibadan are encouraged to prioritize cytological evaluation as a guide to antimicrobial selection in managing canine otitis. Keywords: canine otitis, aural hematoma, ear canal surgery, Ibadan, otologic disease.