Effect of empirical versus definitive antimicrobial selection on postoperative complications in dogs and cats undergoing total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy: 120 cases (2009-2019).

Objective: To evaluate dogs and cats undergoing total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO), document antimicrobial choices, and determine relationships associated with infection-related and neurologic postoperative complications.

Animals: 107 client-owned dogs and 13 client-owned cats that underwent TECA-LBO.

Procedures: A retrospective analysis of medicals records of dogs and cats with TECA-LBO from 2 veterinary hospitals with postoperative data for at least 6 months was performed.