The goal of ear canal surgery, or a total ear canal ablation (TECA) or lateral ear resection, is to address chronic or severe ear infections and conditions that cannot be effectively treated with medical management alone. The surgery involves removing the entire ear canal and sometimes part of the middle ear. By eliminating the diseased or damaged ear canal, the procedure aims to provide long-term relief from recurrent infections, alleviate pain and discomfort, and improve the overall quality of life for the affected dog. In addition, the surgery may be recommended in cases of severe otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear canal), tumors, traumatic injuries, or other conditions that have not responded to medical treatment or have led to irreversible damage.