En-bloc Auriculectomy for Removal of a Large Pinna-Based Ear Mass in a Horse.
Authors: Silverstone Auri M, Tatarniuk Dane M, Durket Elyse, Gillen Alex M
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
A 15-year-old Pony of America gelding with a suspected fibroblastic sarcoid affecting the right external pinna underwent complete auriculectomy using a constrictive latex tourniquet technique under multimodal analgesia, representing the first reported case of total external ear amputation in equine practice. The tourniquet method offered distinct advantages over conventional surgical excision: it eliminated intraoperative haemorrhage, allowed gradual ischaemic necrosis and tissue sloughing over three weeks, and proved cost-effective compared to alternative approaches. Complete wound healing occurred within three months, with the middle ear canal self-sealing and the gelding experiencing no significant long-term morbidity beyond expected hearing reduction. For practitioners managing large, infiltrative pinna-based masses where conventional excision poses technical or haemorrhagic challenges, this technique provides a viable alternative that achieves complete mass removal whilst minimising immediate surgical trauma and enabling straightforward aftercare. The case demonstrates that horses tolerate auriculectomy well, though the permanent hearing loss and cosmetic considerations require discussion with owners before pursuing this definitive approach.
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Practical Takeaways
- •En-bloc auriculectomy via latex tourniquet is a viable, cost-effective option for large complicated ear masses in horses, offering complete removal without significant perioperative bleeding
- •Expect 3-week healing timeline for tissue sloughing and 3-month total recovery, with hearing loss as the primary long-term consequence
- •The technique provides an alternative to conventional surgical amputation when dealing with extensive pinna lesions that are difficult to manage by standard excision
Key Findings
- •Complete auriculectomy using latex tourniquet constriction resulted in complete tissue sloughing within 3 weeks and full healing within 3 months
- •Latex tourniquet technique provided bloodless amputation with gradual ischemic necrosis, avoiding hemorrhage complications
- •Middle ear canal sealed spontaneously post-auriculectomy with minimal long-term morbidity aside from hearing reduction
- •This is the first reported case of total external ear amputation in an equine patient