Lateral Ear Canal Resection (Zepp Procedure)

At Canton Animal Hospital, we perform Lateral Ear Canal Resection (also called the Zepp Procedure) as a surgical solution for pets with chronic otitis externa or external ear canal disease that has not responded to medical therapy. This procedure improves ventilation, drainage, and accessibility of the horizontal ear canal by removing the lateral wall of the vertical canal—offering relief while preserving hearing and ear structure.

Surgical intervention can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, and selecting the appropriate technique is crucial to prevent complications or the need for more invasive surgeries later. Lateral resection is most effective when performed early, before severe hyperplasia or canal stenosis develops.

Indications for Lateral Ear Canal Resection

This procedure is appropriate when:

• Otitis externa has not responded to proper medical management

• Ear infections recur frequently despite treatment

• Biopsy or removal of a benign mass in the canal is required

• Visualization is needed to access medial vertical canal masses

This surgery is not ideal for patients with severe hyperplasia, stenosis, or otitis media, especially in breeds predisposed to these changes (e.g., Cocker Spaniels).