Total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in a ferret for the treatment of aural ceruminous gland neoplasia

Abstract

Abstract A 6‐year‐old, male, neutered domestic ferret ( Mustela putorius furo ) presented for mucopurulent discharge from the left ear with visible intraluminal soft tissue mass in the vertical portion of the canal on endoscopic exam. A computed tomographic exam confirmed a mass confined to the lumen of the left ear canal. A total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy was performed. Initial histopathology diagnosed the mass as a ceruminous gland adenoma, and the ferret lived with excellent quality of life for 6 months. After 6 months, swelling around the left total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy site was noted by the owner. Cytology of the swelling was consistent with an adenocarcinoma. This case report describes a total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy surgery in a ferret. Total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy was well tolerated in this patient with no long‐term complications. Aural ceruminous gland tumours in ferrets may exhibit variable behaviour and should be given a guarded prognosis.