The Royal Veterinary College’s world-leading Small Animal Emergency and Referral Hospital has launched a dedicated Multidisciplinary Ear Clinic, providing specialist assessment and treatment for dogs and cats with complex ear disease. 

Bringing together experts in dermatology, soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging and neurology, the new clinic enables patients to receive a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan during a single visit.

Chronic otitis (ear inflammation) commonly develops alongside underlying skin disease and is often complicated by secondary infections. It can be painful and difficult to manage for both owners and veterinary professionals, and over time, some animals develop narrowing of the ear canal, middle ear disease or conditions affecting the nerves or eyes, making treatment decisions increasingly complex.

For referring veterinary surgeons, it can often be difficult to determine whether these patients should be referred to a surgeon, dermatologist or neurologist. The RVC's new Multidisciplinary Ear Clinic has been designed to remove this uncertainty by bringing multiple specialists together to assess each patient. Adopting his approach will improve diagnosis, streamline treatment decisions and deliver the best possible outcomes for affected cats and dogs.

The clinic is led by Professor Karla Lee, Professor of Soft Tissue Surgery, and Dr Anke Hendricks, Associate Professor in Veterinary Dermatology. Depending on the patient's needs, they work alongside specialists in neurology, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging and radiology to develop an individual treatment plan. Patients undergo same-day advanced imaging, otoscopy and specialist assessments, reducing delays and enabling treatment decisions to be made more efficiently.

The clinic accepts referrals from primary care veterinary practices for dogs and cats with persistent or severe ear disease, including patients with chronic or treatment-resistant otitis, narrowing of the ear canal, suspected middle ear disease, ear canal masses or ear disease associated with neurological or eye problems.

While operating for less than 10 months, it has already proved to be a valuable asset for veterinarians and owners, including Natalia and Emily Esteve Kolk from Surrey, who brought in their dog Ugo for treatment.

Speaking of their experience with the RVC’s Multidisciplinary Ear Clinic, Natalia and Emily Esteve Kolk, said:

“The service for Ugo was so smooth and straight sailing. We were well informed and even shown pictures and samples taken from him during his visit. Ugo was happy each time we collected him from his appointments which is important to us. We can't thank the team enough for their outstanding and thorough work always. Thank you.”

Additionally, Miss Budhia from Edgeware has also sought help from the clinic for her dog Casper.

Reflecting on her experience, Miss Budhia, said:

“Handing your dog over for surgery is one of the hardest things as an owner, but from the moment I met Dr Karla Lee I knew Casper was in the best possible hands. The professionalism, compassion and reassurance shown by the entire team at the RVC were outstanding. They not only took exceptional care of Casper but also supported me through what was a very stressful time. We will always be grateful for the care and expertise that helped get him back to his happy, healthy, mischievous self.”

Professor Karla Lee, Professor of Soft Tissue Surgery at the RVC, said:

“I’m delighted to work alongside dermatologists, neurologists, ophthalmologist and radiologists to identify which pets will benefit from ear surgery, to redefine best surgical practice for ear disease and to provide holistic care for all components of complex ear disease.”

Dr Anke Hendricks, Associate Professor in Veterinary Dermatology at the RVC, said:

“Working within a small, multi-specialty team centred around the complex ear patient is a privilege. It facilitates integrated care beyond the initial assessment, and offers an amazing opportunity to learn from each other and apply our learning right back to our patients.”

The Multidisciplinary Ear Clinic runs on select Mondays at the RVC Small Animal Emergency and Referral Hospital and accepts referrals from veterinary practices across the UK. The equipment in the clinic has been kindly sponsored by the RVC Animal Care Trust.