Vertical canal auricular cartilage malformation in a Keetso cat with concurrent chronic otitis externa

A 7-month-old, male, neutered Keetso cat presented for assessment due to chronic recurrent otitis externa signs. Video otoscopic examination revealed corrugated stenosis of the vertical ear canal. A bilateral lateral wall resection was performed. Repeat examination 2 and 15 months after surgery showed no ongoing clinical signs. The Keetso cat is a new breed of cat with a small gene pool, with currently only two breeders worldwide. Significant features of the breed are polydactylism and externally curled pinnae (folded ears). The presence of cartilage malformation in the vertical ear canal may be associated with the chronic otitis externa and if occurring on a population level, presents a potential welfare concern for this breed.