SURGICAL APPROACH IN CASE OF CHRONIC OTITIS IN CATTLE – CASE REPORT

Diseases of the pinna in cattle represent a relevant health challenge, especially in predisposed breeds such as Gir, due to their auricular anatomy. Chronic otitis is a recurrent condition that can lead to loss of production, increased treatment costs, and reduced animal welfare. The objective of this study is to report a case of chronic bilateral otitis in an adult Gir cattle that did not respond to previous clinical treatments and presented recurrence of clinical signs. The relevance of this study is due to the rarity of the surgical approach adopted, with bilateral dehorning being used as a corrective therapeutic measure. The animal presented purulent discharge, bilateral facial edema, lymphadenopathy and stenosis of the ear canal, in addition to necrosis at the base of the left horn. After complete clinical evaluation, a preoperative protocol with ceftiofur and flunixin meglumine was instituted, followed by surgery under chemical containment and regional anesthetic blocks. The intervention consisted of removal of the horns, hemostasis, and suturing with postoperative follow-up based on florfenicol, anti-inflammatory, and local cleaning with antiseptic solutions. The animal remained in an individual stall until the stitches were removed. The results showed progressive improvement of the inflammatory condition and good healing evolution, evidencing the efficacy of the procedure. It is concluded that, in refractory cases of chronic otitis, corrective dehorning may be a viable therapeutic alternative, promoting clinical resolution and avoiding major complications, such as osteonecrosis and neurological impairment.