Ear-Canal Removal in a Pig: A Landmark Veterinary Milestone

Researchers at Oregon State University Veterinary Hospital have reported a pioneering surgical achievement: the first documented removal of the entire ear canal in a pig. Details emerged through university communications and science media channels, but the milestone is being recognized as a major advancement in veterinary medicine and comparative anatomy. The patient, a pig named Ellie, remained comfortable during recovery and continued rehabilitation after the procedure. The case followed months of persistent ear infections that failed to respond to antibiotics, ultimately revealing a bone-related disruption within the middle ear. Otosclerosis, a condition marked by abnormal bone growth that interferes with ear structures, can compromise hearing and balance if it progresses unchecked. The surgery was pursued as a last-resort measure to relieve pain and infection while safeguarding overall health, rather than simply removing tissue that is not essential to the animal’s well-being. Ellie’s postoperative course is being carefully monitored to ensure proper healing and functional recovery, with an emphasis on minimizing discomfort and supporting a return to normal activity. The veterinary team noted that such a procedure is typically reserved for dogs, making Ellie’s case unusually rare in swine. In pigs, access to the external auditory canal is deeply situated within a dense skull region, presenting a surgical challenge that demanded innovative planning and precise execution. Advanced imaging and modeling played a key role, including a digitized reconstruction of Ellie’s skull from a CT dataset, to simulate the operation beforehand. This enabled the surgeons to chart the safest trajectory and determine how to remove the canal with minimal disruption to adjacent structures. The plan also involved collaboration with otolaryngology specialists to ensure that anatomical considerations were fully addressed and to optimize the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The main steps encompassed meticulous exposure of the canal, careful dissection around delicate tissues, and controlled removal of the bony canal, followed by strategies to prevent postoperative complications and promote healing. In describing the procedure, researchers noted that Ellie’s ear apparatus shares functional similarities with human ear components, a detail that guided the decision to seek multidisciplinary input and leverage cross-species expertise. The operation proceeded with the necessary precision and teamwork, and early indicators pointed to a successful result. Ellie’s caregivers and the veterinary team reported that she tolerated the intervention well and showed signs of improvement as the immediate postoperative period progressed. As with any complex surgery, ongoing follow-up remains essential to monitor healing, manage pain, and assess any residual impact on balance or behavior. Scientists treating this case anticipate that the lessons learned will inform future research and could influence how similar conditions are approached in other large mammals. The team plans to document their experience in a formal scientific publication, aiming to share methodological insights, clinical considerations, and results with colleagues to advance evidence-based practice in veterinary otology and skull-base surgery. Ellie’s story demonstrates how cutting-edge imaging, collaborative medicine, and careful planning can expand the boundaries of what is possible in animal care, offering new hope for both companion animals and livestock facing chronic ear disease. Looking ahead, researchers suggest that additional work is needed to determine how often canal-absent approaches might benefit other species and what long-term outcomes could look like across diverse veterinary populations. The outcome of this case is expected to spur further investigation into reconstructive possibilities, pain management strategies, and the ethical implications of pursuing aggressive interventions in large animals within clinical settings. — OSU Veterinary Hospital