Fibroepithelial Polyps of the Ear Canal in Dogs: A Retrospective Analysis of 17 Cases

BACKGROUND: Fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) are well-characterised benign hyperplastic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. Little is known about their localisation in the ear canal of dogs. OBJECTIVES: To provide clinical, endoscopic, computed tomography (CT) and histological descriptions of aural (a)FEPs in 14 dogs. ANIMALS: Fourteen client-owned dogs diagnosed with aFEPs between 2018 and 2025. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of dogs diagnosed with aFEPs based on compatible histopathological findings. RESULTS: Seventeen aFEPs were described in 14 dogs. All dogs were of brachycephalic breeds, and French bulldogs were the most common breed. Most dogs had a history of chronic-recurrent otitis externa (n = 12) and a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (n = 10). Ear cytological results showed neutrophilic inflammation with bacteria in 14 of 17 cases. CT scan detected 15 of 17 aFEPs. In all cases, video-otoscopy revealed the presence of a pedunculated neoformation of variable size. All lesions were removed during the endoscopic procedure with a polypectomy snare or grasping forceps. Histologically, all masses were characterised by a broad fibrous core with a narrow stalk covered by either keratinised or keratinised and ciliated epithelium. Thirteen polyps contained broad trabeculae of bone. In two dogs, a second endoscopic procedure was needed to completely remove residual polyp fragments. During the follow-up period (1-80 months), 13 of the 14 dogs experienced no relapses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, aFEPs present distinctive histopathological characteristics and should be differentiated from other aural masses. Identification and removal of aFEPs might be critical for the resolution of chronic-recurrent otitis in dogs.

Authors: C. Mendes, L. Berto, A. Costa, L. Nordio, G. Bertolini and M. De Lucia Title: Fibroepithelial Polyps of the Ear Canal in Dogs: A Retrospective Analysis of 17 Cases Full source: Vet Dermatol, 2026,Vol Document type: Journal Article
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Abstract	Source
BACKGROUND: Fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) are well-characterised benign hyperplastic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. Little is known about their localisation in the ear canal of dogs. OBJECTIVES: To provide clinical, endoscopic, computed tomography (CT) and histological descriptions of aural (a)FEPs in 14 dogs. ANIMALS: Fourteen client-owned dogs diagnosed with aFEPs between 2018 and 2025. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of dogs diagnosed with aFEPs based on compatible histopathological findings. RESULTS: Seventeen aFEPs were described in 14 dogs. All dogs were of brachycephalic breeds, and French bulldogs were the most common breed. Most dogs had a history of chronic-recurrent otitis externa (n = 12) and a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (n = 10). Ear cytological results showed neutrophilic inflammation with bacteria in 14 of 17 cases. CT scan detected 15 of 17 aFEPs. In all cases, video-otoscopy revealed the presence of a pedunculated neoformation of variable size. All lesions were removed during the endoscopic procedure with a polypectomy snare or grasping forceps. Histologically, all masses were characterised by a broad fibrous core with a narrow stalk covered by either keratinised or keratinised and ciliated epithelium. Thirteen polyps contained broad trabeculae of bone. In two dogs, a second endoscopic procedure was needed to completely remove residual polyp fragments. During the follow-up period (1-80 months), 13 of the 14 dogs experienced no relapses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, aFEPs present distinctive histopathological characteristics and should be differentiated from other aural masses. Identification and removal of aFEPs might be critical for the resolution of chronic-recurrent otitis in dogs.