Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of otitis media in dogs and cats

Abstract

Due to widespread prevalence of middle ear inflammation in dogs and cats, the difficulties in its detection, and the risk of otogenic complications, the topic of this study is highly relevant. The research goal was comparative assessment of the diagnostic value of separate versus combined use of X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when selecting surgical treatment strategies for animals with suspected middle ear pathology. The research targets were 13 patients (7 cats, 6 dogs): five animals (3 cats, 2 dogs) underwent head CT, four animals (2 cats, 2 dogs) underwent head MRI, and another four animals (2 cats, 2 dogs) underwent combined head CT and MRI. All animals subsequently received surgical treatment - ventral bulla osteotomy (ventral bullotomy). It was found that CT was superior to MRI in visualizing bone structures. MRI, in turn, provided more detailed assessment of soft tissue structures: labyrinthitis was detected in 2 out of 4 animals, meningitis - in 2 out of 13, and facial nerve neuritis - in 1 out of 13. Neurological deficits were present in 10 out of 13 animals (77%), most commonly in the form of peripheral vestibular syndrome - 8 out of 13 (62%). The best results in diagnosis and surgical planning were achieved with the combined use of both imaging methods. The findings confirm that CT and MRI are complementary techniques providing the most complete diagnostic picture in cases of otitis media in dogs and cats.