TECA

Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA): What You Need to Know

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A Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA), is a major surgical procedure designed to provide permanent relief for pets suffering from severe, end-stage ear disease.

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While the idea of removing the ear canal sounds daunting, for many pets, it is a life-changing step toward a pain-free life.

Why is a TECA recommended?

This procedure is typically the "last resort" when medical management (drops, cleanings, and antibiotics) is no longer effective. Common reasons include:

Chronic End-Stage Otitis

The ear canal has become so thickened and scarred (mineralized) that medications can no longer reach the infection.

Ear Canal Tumors

Narrowing or blockage caused by growths.

Failed Previous Surgeries

When less invasive procedures haven't resolved the issue.

The procedure: What happens?

The goal of a TECA is to remove the source of pain and infection entirely.

Ablation

The entire vertical and horizontal ear canal is surgically removed.

Osteotomy

The "bulla" (the bony middle ear chamber) is opened and meticulously cleaned of infected debris and inflammatory tissue.

Closure

The skin is sutured closed. To the observer, the pet will still have their ear flap (pinna), but the opening to the ear canal will be gone.

Appearance

Your pet will still have their ear flap, but the "hole" will be gone. The area will be shaved and sutured.

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Hearing

Most pets undergoing TECA already have significantly reduced hearing due to scarred canals. While air-conductive hearing is lost, pets can often still feel vibrations.

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Pain relief

This is the biggest win. Once the surgical site heals, the chronic, throbbing pain of a deep-seated

infection is gone.

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Potential risks & complications

As with any major surgery, there are risks to consider:

Facial Nerve Paralysis

The nerve that controls facial expressions runs right next to the ear canal. Temporary drooping of the lip or an inability to blink is common post-op, though permanent damage is rare.

Horner’s Syndrome

A temporary neurological condition affecting the eye (droopy eyelid, constricted pupil), usually resolving in a few weeks.

Incision Drainage

In a small percentage of cases, deep-seated bacteria can cause a "tract" to open
later, requiring a minor follow-up cleanup.

Most pets stay in the hospital overnight for pain management.

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The “Cone of Shame”: or buster collar is non-negotiable for 10–14 days to prevent scratching and
rubbing at the sutures.
Activity: Strict rest is required during the healing phase.
The Result: Owners often report their pets act "years younger" within a month because they are finally
free from the constant burden of ear pain.

the northwest team

Meet Our Referral Team

Meet our highly trained, multidisciplinary referral team, who work together to provide expert care across imaging and surgery. Our clinicians have access to a wide network of specialists in diagnostic imaging, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and soft tissue surgery, ensuring your pet benefits from advanced expertise at every stage of their care.

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They are supported by a dedicated team of 12 qualified veterinary nurses and 6 experienced support staff, all working closely to deliver safe, compassionate, and seamless care. We are also supported by our animal ambulance driver, helping to safely transport patients when needed.

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Together, our team is committed to providing the highest standard of veterinary care with kindness, skill, and attention to every patient.

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Meet the full team

team image of team member (medical clinic)

Dr Adam Kluczny

Cert AVP PgC SAS MRCVS

Dr. Dimitar Dzhambazov

MCs, CertSAS, AVP (SAS), MRCVS

Dr. Krzysztof (Chris) Shepherd

CertAVP PgCert VPS MRCVS

Dr David Band

BVM BVS BVMedSci MRCVS

Dr. Carla Francisco Arteaga

MRCVS, GPCert Feline Practice

Dr Roslind McKenzie

PgC (SAS) MRCVS

Our facility

Although we have a state-of-the-art award winning hospital and highly trained staff we can offer our services at much lower costs to our competitors. We are also transparent and fixed price so there are no surprises.

Transparent pricing. No surprises.

The prices below reflect the full cost of advanced-level diagnostics and treatment at our Wigan facility. Prices are shown all-inclusive of everything so what you see is what you get. No surprises. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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CT Scan

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1-2 Regions

£1,195

Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging

3-4 Regions

£1,500

Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging

Full body

£2,000

Includes sedation or GA, contrast, and report from European Diplomat in Diagnostic Imaging

Hemilaminectomy (IVDD) (T1-S1)

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This includes all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night).

Plus, a post operative CT scan

£3,995

Cruciate Ligament (TPLO)

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This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.

Bilateral TPLO
£4,800

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£2,500

Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) Unilateral

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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If bilateral it is an extra £800.

£2,000

Rhinoplasty & Soft Palate Resection (BOAS)

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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.

£2,000

MRI Scan

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1 Region

£1,495

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(Double plate, Y fracture and angular limb deformity) This includes pre-operative x-rays, all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night.

£3,000

Patella Luxation

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This includes all consumables, general anaesthetic and hospitalisation for one night. If Bilateral it is an extra £800.

£1,200

Ultrasound

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Abdominal

£500

This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology

Echocardiograph

£500

This includes sedation if needed and interpretation from a RCVS practitioner or a RCVS advanced practitioner in Cardiology

Full cardio work-up

£1,000

Full cardio work-up including x-rays, echocardiogram and consultation

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Add-on CT Scan: £1,000

X-Rays

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This includes all sedation (or general anaesthetic), as many views as needed.Including an interpretation from one of our 4 RCVS advanced practitioners

£595

3D Guides

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Cost

Case dependent

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Do you accept pet insurance?

Yes. Most of our procedures are covered by pet insurance policies. We provide a detailed, itemised invoice for every case, which makes the claims process straightforward. We can also assist with pre-authorisation requests. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment, or contact us in advance if you need guidance.

How does your fixed-price guarantee work?

We provide a full, itemised written estimate before any procedure begins. The price in that estimate is the price you pay, it doesn’t change once approved. We’re one of the only referral centres in the UK to operate this way, and we’ve done so since 2008. No hidden fees, no end-of-treatment surprises.

Does my pet need a referral from their vet?

No. While the majority of our cases come via veterinary referral, we welcome self-referring pet owners directly. You can book a consultation through our website. If you’re self-referring, it’s helpful to bring any recent vet notes or clinical history with you.

How do I refer my patient to Northwest Referrals?

Complete our online referral form which takes under 5 minutes. You can also refer via our dedicated WhatsApp service by scanning the QR code on our contact page. Our team will review your submission and confirm the appointment, typically within a few hours. For urgent cases, call us directly on 01942 242001.

Still have questions?

I’m a referring vet

Fast online referral, 24-hour response, detailed reports, and a dedicated WhatsApp line for case queries. Your client is in specialist hands from day one.

Submit a referral →

I’m a pet owner

You can come directly to us, no GP-style referral required. Get a fixed-price consultation with a named advanced practitioner, with full support throughout your pet’s care.

Book a consultation →

Get in touch

You can send WhatsApps directly to our team with questions for cases, referrals, pricing inquiries or even checking in on your inpatients!

07538 954405

01942 242001

info@northwestreferrals.co.uk

Northwest Referrals, 19 Caroline, Wigan, WN3 4EL

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Award-winning veterinary care you can trust