4208 Lind Ave, SW Renton, WA

Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) Surgery for Dogs and Cats

Chronic ear infections are often painful and hard to manage, both for pets and their families. If medicine no longer helps, surgery can be the best way to make your pet more comfortable and improve their quality of life.
 
At Boreal Animal Surgery, we offer Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) surgery for dogs and cats with serious ear problems, such as long-term infections or tumors in the ear canal. Our aim is to ease pain, remove unhealthy tissue, and help your pet feel better again.
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What is TECA?

Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) is a surgical procedure that removes the entire ear canal. Vets usually suggest it when ongoing infection, inflammation, scarring, or tumors have caused lasting damage and medicine no longer helps.
 
TECA surgery may be recommended for:
 
  • Severe chronic ear infections
  • End-stage ear disease
  • Chronic inflammation and scarring of the ear canal
  • Recurrent infections that no longer respond to treatment
  • Tumors involving the ear canal
  • Significant pain associated with chronic ear disease
 
For many pets, TECA surgery can provide long-term relief by removing the source of ongoing pain and infection. This helps them feel more comfortable and improves their quality of life.
Vets often recommend advanced imaging, like CT scans, before surgery. These tests help show how much disease is present and help plan the surgery.
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Why Choose Boreal Animal Surgery

Compassionate Surgical Care Backed by Experience

Board-Certified Surgical Expertise

Chronic ear disease can be frustrating, painful, and difficult to manage. Dr. Duane Robinson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with advanced training in soft tissue surgery and experience treating complex ear conditions that no longer respond to medical management.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

TECA surgery requires careful surgical planning and attention to the delicate structures surrounding the ear canal. We utilize proven surgical techniques and thorough pre-operative evaluation to help achieve the best possible outcome for each patient.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Every pet's condition is different. We evaluate your pet's medical history, the severity of their ear disease, diagnostic imaging, and overall health before recommending treatment. Our goal is to develop a personalized plan that improves comfort and supports long-term quality of life.

Recovery & Treatment

Recovery is an important part of successful TECA surgery. We provide detailed post-operative instructions, ongoing support, and clear communication throughout the healing process. Our team works closely with both pet owners and referring veterinarians to help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible outcome for every patient.

Total Ear Canal Ablation Our Approach

Our Approach

At Boreal Animal Surgery, we know that dealing with chronic ear disease is tough for pets and their families. We aim to identify the cause of the problem, determine whether surgery is the right choice, and guide you through what to expect during recovery.
 
Here’s what you can expect during our evaluation and treatment process:
 
  • We’ll review your pet’s medical history and any previous treatments.
  • A hands-on examination of the ears and surrounding structures.
  • If available, we’ll review any diagnostic images to better understand the issue.
  • We’ll assess the severity of the ear canal disease and how widely it has spread.
  • If needed, we may recommend advanced imaging, such as CT scans.
  • We’ll create a surgical treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
  • You’ll receive clear instructions and guidance to help your pet recover after surgery.
  • We’ll collaborate with your veterinarian on recovery follow-ups
 
If your pet has an ear canal tumor or a more complex condition, we may suggest extra imaging and tests before surgery. Our main goal is to relieve pain, clear up chronic infections, and help your pet feel comfortable again.
 
Total Ear Canal Ablation What to Expect

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery plays a key role in your pet’s successful TECA surgery. After the procedure, we focus on keeping your pet comfortable, helping them heal, and watching for any possible problems.
 
Most pets feel much better once the unhealthy ear tissue is removed and healing begins.
During recovery, you can expect:
 
  • Pain management and supportive medications
  • Incision care and monitoring of the surgical site
  • Restricted activity during the initial healing period
  • Follow-up examinations to assess recovery and healing
  • Review of laboratory or biopsy results when tissue has been submitted for testing
  • Additional recommendations if tumors or other underlying conditions are identified
 
Most pets recover well after TECA surgery and feel much more comfortable and happy. Recovery time can depend on how serious the disease was, how much surgery was needed, and your pet’s unique needs.
 
Our team will be here to guide and support you through your pet’s recovery, helping ensure they get the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About TECA Procedures

Review some FAQs on TECA Procedures to get a better understanding, or contact us to discuss further. If you’d like to learn more about the process as a pet owner, click below.

TECA surgery costs depend on your dog’s size, health, the tests needed, and recovery care. We will provide you with a clear estimate and discuss all recommended care before the surgery. At Boreal Animal Surgery, providing expert care at affordable pricing is our ultimate goal.

TECA is most commonly recommended when chronic ear infections or ear canal disease can no longer be effectively managed with medications and ongoing treatment.

Many pets requiring TECA surgery already have significant hearing loss due to chronic disease. The impact on hearing varies depending on the severity of disease present before surgery.

As with any surgery, there is post-operative discomfort, but pain management is a major focus of recovery. Many pets experience substantial relief once the chronic source of pain and inflammation has been removed.

Yes. TECA may be recommended for certain tumors involving the ear canal. Advanced imaging such as CT scans is often recommended before surgery to assist with treatment planning.

CT scans can provide detailed information about the extent of disease within the ear and surrounding structures, helping guide surgical planning and treatment recommendations.

Most pets recover well with appropriate post-operative care. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing and address any concerns during recovery.

Looking for a Consultation?

If your dog or cat has ongoing ear infections, chronic ear pain, severe ear disease, or an ear canal tumor, our team is here to help. We can evaluate your pet’s condition, discuss available treatment options, and determine whether TECA surgery is the most appropriate option.
 
At Boreal Animal Surgery, we offer consultations and surgery for pets with serious ear disease and long-term ear problems. From the first visit to recovery, you can count on us for expert advice, clear updates, and care that aims to ease pain, stop infections, and help your pet feel better.