The examination of the canine middle and inner ear, using 3D imaging modalities

Background: 25% of the patients suffering from otitis media do not show any abnormalities on radiographs. To visualize this anatomical region, both CT and MRI are more sensitive and precise imaging modalities. Using multiplanar and 3D imaging techniques, additional essential information can be acquired about the disease: uni- or bilaterality, extesnion, distinction between the central and vestibular syndrome, differentiation of inflammatory and tumorous diseases, duration of the abnormality, involvement of the neighboring tissues and the possibly peri-operational complications. Objectives: This study aimed to summarize the CT and MRI characteristics of the middle and inner ear diseases via case presentations and showing the usefulness of cross sectional imaging methods in the everyday praxis. Materials and Methods: The authors described the CT findings of a 10 years old female golden retriever with otitis media and a 6 years old French bulldog's MRI result presented with neurological signs associated with otitis media with intracranial extension. Results and Discussion: Despite the dog was occasionally having otitis externa symptoms otitis media was an incidental CT finding. The disease proved to be a unilateral chronic inflammation of the right middle ear. The French bulldog had a right-sided marked otitis media and interna with intracranial involvement: focal meningitis and neuritis of the VIII. cranial nerve were evident in the MRI examination. CT and MR imaging helped to define the extent and