Traumatic tympanic bulla fracture.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Canine Traumatology

Background:

• Head trauma in dogs can result in complex facial and neurological injuries.
• Tympanic bulla fractures are rare, particularly those resulting from direct trauma.

Observation:

• A Pekingese dog presented with significant head trauma, including facial swelling, puncture wounds, mandibular fractures, and ocular deficits.
• Computed tomography revealed multiple fractures of the mandible and zygomatic arch, right ear canal avulsion, and a ventrally displaced tympanic bulla fracture.

Findings:

• The tympanic bulla fracture and ear canal avulsion were managed conservatively with no short-term complications.
• Surgical intervention included a subtotal hemimandibulectomy for mandibular fractures and placement of a temporary oesophagostomy feeding tube.
• No complications were reported 18 months post-injury, suggesting conservative management can be effective for certain tympanic bulla fractures.

Implications:

• This case represents the first reported instance of a traumatic tympanic bulla fracture in a dog.
• The findings suggest that conservative management may be a viable option for specific types of traumatic tympanic bulla fractures in canine patients.
• Highlights the importance of advanced imaging like CT in diagnosing complex head trauma in veterinary medicine.