Causes of Rupture

Tympanic membrane perforation occurs in dogs and cats for a variety of reasons, the most common being chronic otitis externa. Otitis media results from the destructive effects of proteolytic enzymes on the thin epithelial layers of the membrane. These enzymes are released from bacteria, inflammatory cell degradation, and ulcerations along the ear canal produced as a result of otitis externa; the enzymes then gain access to the sensitive respiratory lining of the tympanic bulla through the perforation.

Traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane also occur as the result of either excessive fluid pressure achieved during flushing of the ear canal or traumatic use of instruments during cleaning of the ear canal (Figure 15-2). Myringotomy, a traumatic perforation of the eardrum, may be iatrogenic or may be intentionally induced in therapy for otitis media.

Figure 15-2 Traumatic myringotomy created by using a cotton-tipped applicator that was pushed too far into the horizontal canal.

Cats with respiratory disease may rupture their eardrums through sneezing. Increased air pressure builds within the eustachian tube during the violent act of sneezing, and that air pressure is transmitted through the eustachian tube to the middle ear cavity. When the pressure in the tympanic bulla exceeds 300 mm Hg, the eardrum ruptures (Figures 15-3 and 15-4).

Figure 15-3 The patient, a young kitten with upper respiratory disease, was presented with the complaint of sneezing and blood in the ear. Close examination of the eardrum revealed an acute perforation caused by increased air pressure in the bulla created by sneezing.

Figure 15-4 Another example of an eardrum with a small peripheral perforation caused by sneezing. The eardrum in this patient is thickened, perhaps as a result of herpesvirus infection.

Rarely, ascending respiratory infections in dogs and cats resulting in suppurative otitis media may cause fluid pressure buildup inside the tympanic bulla. Without an exit point for the fluid, the increasing pressure within the tympanic cavity weakens the tympanic membrane, resulting in perforation. Children often suffer from this painful condition and require insertion of ventilation tubes in the eardrum to equalize the pressures between the tympanic bulla and the ear canal. In dogs and cats, myringotomy is indicated to relieve the pressure.

Nasopharyngeal polyps found in dogs and cats either grow along the eustachian tube toward the oropharynx or enlarge into the tympanic bulla. A large polyp within the tympanic bulla pushes against the eardrum, creating pressure necrosis, and its continued growth results in the ultimate destruction of the tympanic membrane (Figure 15-5).

Figure 15-5 Left, Normal eardrum and tympanic bulla in a cat. Right, A polyp mass growing within the bulla pushing against the eardrum.

Healing Process

Unless the structures associated with the eardrum are completely destroyed, the eardrum attempts to heal. The mechanism for healing of a ruptured eardrum requires the presence of an adequate blood supply and a viable germinal epithelium. Regrowth of the eardrum depends on these vital structures, so the ability of the eardrum to heal is determined by the extent of the damage to them.

As discussed elsewhere, the germinal epithelium for the epidermal layer of the tympanic membrane is located in the area of the manubrium of the malleus and grows radially toward the annulus of the tympanic membrane from that location. Vascular supply to the germinal epithelium is derived from the blood vessels branching from the pars flaccida along the “vascular strip.” If the malleus is preserved and the vascular strip is not compromised, the process of healing can continue (Figure 15-6).

Figure 15-6 Prominent blood vessels demonstrated along the pars flaccida. This is the major blood supply to the eardrum.

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join