Ventral bulla osteotomy in dogs, is carried out under general anesthesia. The veterinarian will perform pre-operative blood work to ensure the dog is in good health to have anesthetic administered and for the surgery itself. The dog will then be given a pre-surgical sedative, followed by a tracheal tube to allow the flow of oxygen and anesthetic gas. Once the canine is sedated, he will be taken to the surgical area where the belly will be shaved and cleansed with a sterile antiseptic. The veterinarian will then proceed to perform the surgery.
The veterinarian will make a small incision under the dog’s jaw bone. Once the bulla is exposed, an opening will be created and the middle ear will be opened up. If the ear is simply infected or debris is entrapped, the ear can be flushed out with a saline solution. However, if a polyp is present, the growth will need to be surgically removed. The polyp will be prepared for biopsy to determine the pathologic nature of the growth. Tubes will be placed in the inner ear to allow fluids drain from the ear.