Lymphosarcoma of the frontal sinus and nasal passage in a cow.

A 5-year-old cow was evaluated because of a 2-week history of ataxia and other vague neurologic signs. Previous treatments included intravenous and orally administered calcium, but improvement was not seen. Bilateral mucoserous nasal discharge and a pair of firm, smooth masses caudodorsal to the eyes were found on the frontal bones on physical examination. The cow's condition deteriorated rapidly within 48 hours; head pressing and inability to rise were observed. The frontal sinuses were radiographically normal. Trephination of the frontal sinuses revealed a space-occupying mass that was interpreted on histologic examination to be lymphosarcoma. Other evidence of neoplasia was not discovered on gross necropsy or histologic examination. Primary lymphosarcoma has not been described at this location in cows. Clinically it resembles chronic frontal sinusitis, and trephination may be necessary to differentiate the 2 diseases.

Treatment of recurrent otitis media that developed after total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in dogs: nine cases (1986-1994).

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical findings and long-term outcome of dogs treated for recurrent middle ear infection that developed after total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Of 94 dogs (142 ears) treated by means of total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy for end-stage otitis, 9 developed recurrent middle ear infection. PROCEDURE: Information regarding treatment and outcome were retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS: Antibiotic treatment was attempted in 8 dogs, but failed to cure recurrent otitis media in 7 of 8 dogs. Seven dogs were treated by means of exploratory surgery, which consisted of ventral bulla osteotomy and tympanic curettage. One dog was cured, 1 developed another infection and was euthanatized, and the 5 remaining dogs developed another middle ear infection after the first exploratory surgery. Infection resolved after retained epithelium was removed from the tympanic cavity during a second exploratory surgery of the bulla in these 5 dogs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Antibiotic treatment rarely is effective for resolving recurrent middle ear infection that develops after total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. Ventral bulla osteotomy and curettage can be a successful method of treatment, provided retained epithelium and debris are completely removed from the ear canal and tympanic cavity.