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Aural Cholesteatoma

About half of gerbils two years or older develop masses in the inner ear. This condition is referred to as aural cholesteatoma and it occurs when an abnormal accumulation of keratin (a fibrous protein) produces epithelial cells in the middle ear, thus replacing the normal epithelium in the ear and even absorbing the bone beneath it. Although not tumorous, these masses, called aural cholesteatomas, push the gerbil's eardrum deep into the ear canal, causing permanent damage to the inner ear. Infections and heredity are both factors which can lead to the ear condition but through surgery, it can usually be corrected.

Symptoms

• Hearing loss
• Ear pain
• Foul-smelling discharge from the ear
• Obstruction in the nasal passage
• Head tilting

Causes

Aural cholesteatoma occurs when an abnormal accumulation of keratin produces epithelial cells in the middle ear, and is generally due to do infections, especially inner ear infections. Another common factor for this condition is heredity.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will typically diagnose aural cholesteatoma through the symptoms and signs the gerbil displays. They may also conduct an X-ray or ear examination on the animal to confirm the diagnosis.