Neurologic symptoms due to cholesteatoma in a cat with lysis of the temporal and occipital bone demonstrated by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

A 7-year-old cat was presented with vestibular signs. The cat had a history of a presumed aural polyp that had been removed via ventral bulla osteotomy 4 years prior to presentation, followed by bacterial otitis externa and media that had been treated medically and healed within 8 weeks. At representation, computed-tomographic imaging and video-otoscopy showed obstruction of the right tympanic bulla by a heterogeneous mass, severe lysis of the surrounding bones, and pale, friable material within the horizonal external ear canal, extruding from the middle ear. The bacterial culture was negative. Histopathologic examinations supported the diagnosis of cholesteatoma. Due to the rapid progression of the disease, the cat was humanely euthanased 2 months later. Before euthanasia, magnetic resonance imaging documented the worsening of the disease, with an increased size of the expansile lesion and progressive changes in the adjacent structures. Furthermore, additional signs of otitis interna were visible. © 2024 British Veterinary Association.