Relief for chronic ear disease in dogs and cats: TECA-Bo Surgery with Dr. Alane
Veterinary Services
If your pet’s ears are painful, smelly, or constantly infected, you’re not stuck managing it forever. TECA-BO surgery removes the diseased ear canal and cleans the middle ear so your pet can be comfortable again. Most pets eat, sleep, and play better once they heal.
Who might need TECA-BO?
Chronic or recurrent ear infections that no longer respond to drops or pills
Ear canals that are narrowed, scarred, or mineralized
Masses or growths in the ear canal or middle ear
Pain that makes ear cleaning or exams difficult
Why choose surgery?
End-stage ear canals can’t return to normal with medicine alone. TECA-BO takes away the painful, infected tissue so you can stop the cycle of daily cleaning, repeated antibiotics, and flare-ups. Hearing usually doesn’t change much, because most affected pets already hear poorly through the diseased ear.
What to expect
Consultation: Review history, prior treatments, and a gentle ear exam. Imaging (often CT) helps plan surgery.
Surgery day: Your pet receives modern anesthesia and pain control. Dr. Alane removes the diseased canal and cleans the middle ear.
Hospital stay: Short stay for pain management and monitoring.
Home care: E-collar, oral pain meds, and antibiotics for a few weeks. We’ll give you simple, written instructions.
Follow-up: Recheck to confirm healing and adjust any meds based on culture results.
Safety and recovery
All surgeries carry some risk. Temporary facial nerve weakness or balance changes can occur, especially in cats, and most improve over time. Infection or incision issues are uncommon, and we manage them promptly if they arise. Our team uses careful techniques, imaging, and culture-guided antibiotics to reduce complications.
Results you can expect
Relief from ear pain and odor
No more daily ear cleaning battles
Fewer medications and repeat vet visits
Better quality of life for your pet and family
About the surgeon
Alane Cahalane, DVM, DACVS-SA is a board-certified small animal surgeon with advanced experience in ear and soft tissue procedures, including TECA-BO. She partners closely with your family veterinarian and keeps you updated at every step.
