Imaging study of myringotomy in dairy calves

Authors

  • Aurora Villarroel Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, One Garrod Ave., Davis, CA 95616
  • Meera C. Heller Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, One Garrod Ave., Davis, CA 95616
  • V. Michael Lane Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, One Garrod Ave., Davis, CA 95616

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol40no1p14-17

Keywords:

aetiology, calves, dairy cattle, ears, imagery, otitis media, therapy

Abstract

Otitis media is common in dairy calves. Antibiotic treatment alone does not always result in complete resolution. Based on human paediatric medicine experience, where myringotomy tubes are commonly placed to drain purulent accumulations from the ear, it has been suggested that a myringotomy can be performed in calves. We investigated whether performing a myringotomy using a straight rigid instrument (knitting needle) is anatomically feasible in calves. Two imaging techniques and direct visualization were used to observe the trajectory of the needle and its immediate effects on the tympanic membrane. Our study shows there is no anatomic impediment to performing a myringotomy in calves with a straight rigid instrument.

Author Biography

  • Aurora Villarroel, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, One Garrod Ave., Davis, CA 95616

    Now at Colorado State University, Animal Population Health Institute, Department of
    Clinical Sciences, Campus Delivery 1681, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1681

Cover image of Volume 40, No.1 of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of a herd of cattle gathered around a windmill

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Published

2006-02-01

Issue

Vol. 40, No. 1 (2006 Spring)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Imaging study of myringotomy in dairy calves. (2006). The Bovine Practitioner, 40(1), 14-17. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol40no1p14-17

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