Retrospective study of external and middle ear surgeries in domestic carnivores in Algiers province

Abstract

Abstract: The ear is a specialized sensory organ essential for hearing and balance, composed of three main regions: the external ear, middle ear, and inner ear. This study focuses on surgical conditions affecting the external and middle ear in domestic carnivores. A retrospective survey was conducted in Algiers Province over the year 2024–2025, targeting cases such as aural hematomas, otitis, polyps, tumors, and other auricular disordersrequiring surgical intervention. Data were collected from 26 veterinary clinics using a structured questionnaire, and the findings were analyzed based on species, breed, age, sex, origin (traumatic or not), clinical presentation, surgical procedures, and complications. Aural hematomas were the most frequently reported condition (65%), followed by tumors/polyps (19%) and otitis (16%) with cats slightly more affected than dogs. The study also includes a bibliographic review of the main disorders and surgical techniques described in the literature. By comparing published data with local clinical trends, this work provides insight into the relevant frequency and surgical management of auricular disorders in Algerian veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of species-related and epidemiological factors in diagnosis and treatment planning.