Abstract

Background:
This case series reports the outcomes of four dogs that underwent video otoscopy-assisted laser excision (VALE) of aural masses using a Holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser.

Case Description:
All cases underwent excision of aural masses by snare polypectomy and laser ablation of the stalk or direct excision of the mass with a Ho:YAG laser. The first three cases underwent VALE and were free of clinical signs at follow-up times ranging from 197 to 403 days post procedure. In one case, direct application of the laser on the mass resulted in thermal necrosis of the submitted tissue and an open histopathological diagnosis. In the fourth case, VALE was unsuccessful due to an intimate adhesion of the mass with the tympanic bulla. This patient underwent total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECALBO), which subsequently developed a deep surgical site infection and was revised. The patient experienced complete recovery at 232 days post TECALBO.

Conclusion:
Video-assisted laser excision of aural masses using a Ho:YAG laser is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for aural masses in dogs in the medium term, providing an alternative to TECALBO in three out of four of our cases. Direct excision of the mass using laser can cause thermal necrosis of the tissue, making histopathologic diagnosis more challenging. More studies are required to determine the contraindications of this technique and to better quantify the outcomes and complications.

Key words: Aural masses, Dogs, Laser, Minimally invasive surgery, Otitis externa