Serving San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside
Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) Surgery for Dogs
One-step treatment to manage long-term problem and let you dog regain a pain-free life.
Surgery is sometimes the kindest option!
For dogs with painful, recurring, serious ear infections, removal offers lasting relief.
TECA Surgery: What It Is and When Dogs Need It
Chronic ear infections can cause severe pain, constant head shaking, and permanent damage to the ear canal. When medications no longer help, TECA surgery may be the only way to relieve your dog’s suffering.
Permanently resolves end-stage ear infections.- Stops pain and constant head shaking.
- Improves quality of life - no more ear meds or flare-ups.
Trusted by Pet Owners and Veterinarians Alike
TECA Surgery at SurgiPet
TECA is an advanced surgery that removes the entire diseased ear canal and middle ear structures. It brings lasting relief from pain, discharge, and head-shaking. At SurgiPet, every TECA surgery is performed by experienced surgeon with the support of our board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort.
The all-inclusive package fee for TECA surgery at SurgiPet covers everything from the initial consultation to post-surgical rechecks and offers 30-40% savings compared to large veterinary hospitals' charges.
Your Pet’s TECA Surgery Journey
Initial Consultation
We don’t rush - each consultation includes a full history, a careful hands-on exam of your dog, and time to talk through your goals, concerns, and what matters most to you.
Surgery Day
Experience counts! Our surgeon has performed thousands of successful surgeries over the course of his professional career. With that experience, your dog is in the best hands.
Going Home
Your pet will go home comfortable, fully recovered from anesthesia, and able to walk. You will receive printed instructions, and dedicated post-operative support is available 7 days a week-including weekends.
Providing peace of mind and comfort
What to Expect After TECA Surgery
Most dogs go home the same day, fully awake, walking, and already more comfortable. You may notice a slight head tilt or temporary facial weakness - these are common and usually improve with time.
Tips for Recovery:
✔ Keep the surgery site clean and dry.
✔ Use cone to prevent licking or chewing.
✔ Stay in touch with our team - we are available 7-days a week.
The Safest pet anesthesia. For Every Pet. In Every way.
Ensure your pet’s safety with expert anesthesia care tailored to their specific needs, managed by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist.
Meet the Dedicated Team Behind Our Success
Dr. Wypart, our founder and lead surgeon, has over 20 years of experience, including thousands of successful TPLO procedures. He is known not only for his surgical excellence but also for the genuine empathy and honesty that comfort every pet parent who walks through our doors.
Dr. Wypart is a highly skilled veterinarian with over two decades of experience in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He earned his veterinary degree from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and completed advanced specialty training in veterinary surgery at the European University of Environmental and Life Sciences. His clinical skills have been shaped by extensive international practice across Europe and North America.
Since relocating to San Diego in 2012, Dr. Wypart has become known for his surgical expertise, particularly in orthopedic procedures involving joint trauma, complex fractures, and advanced soft tissue techniques. A member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, he has performed over 1,000 successful TPLO surgeries and remains actively engaged in continuing education focused on fracture management, joint disease, and advanced soft tissue procedures.
Dr. Wypart founded SurgiPet to bring specialized surgical care to pets in San Diego and the surrounding area. His practice focuses on advanced procedures including TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament repair, arthroscopy, and minimally invasive fracture repair.
Outside of surgery, Dr. Wypart enjoys growing vegetables in his backyard, perfecting new soup recipes, and hiking Potato Chip Mountain.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, our co-founder and medical director, is one of a few veterinary anesthesia specialists in California. She personally evaluates your pet’s health, designs a customized anesthesia plan, and ensures they wake up comfortably - just like an anesthesiologist does for people in a hospital.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA, is the Medical Director and co-founder of SurgiPet. After veterinary school, she spent three additional years at the University of Pennsylvania's highly respected residency program, focusing exclusively on mastering anesthesia and pain management. This specialized training means she's an expert at keeping pets safe and pain-free during surgery—customizing anesthesia for each individual patient based on their age, health status, and the specific procedure they're having. Whether it's a healthy young dog or a senior pet with underlying health concerns, Dr. Margaret Wypart has the expertise to provide the safest anesthesia possible.
One of only a few board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists practicing in San Diego County, she specializes in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to minimize discomfort and reduce reliance on systemic medications—allowing pets to wake up more smoothly and return home the same day. Her approach follows the principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), emphasizing proactive pain control, early mobility, and rapid return to function.
Outside of work, Dr. Wypart enjoys hiking, skiing, and photography.
Amber has over two decades of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician. One of her greatest joys is mentoring and training newer staff, sharing the passion for veterinary care that has driven her throughout her career.
Amber is a Registered Veterinary Technician and our Nursing Director, bringing more than 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. Most of Amber’s career has been spent in emergency and intensive care, where she developed strong skills in critical patient management, anesthesia, and team leadership. For the past two years, she has brought that expertise to our surgical center, where she focuses on ensuring a smooth experience for patients from admission through recovery and supporting our team in providing exceptional surgical nursing care.
Amber is passionate about creating a positive, collaborative environment for both her team and our clients. She believes that every patient deserves individualized, compassionate care and takes pride in building trust with the families who bring their pets to us. She also enjoys mentoring veterinary professionals and helping others grow within the field.
Outside of work, Amber loves spending time with her family and many pets, traveling in their RV, and curling up with a good book.
No Surprises!
Transparent, All-inclusive Pricing for Surgery
Ready to Give Your Pet the Best Care?
Schedule a consultation today and see why thousands of pet owners choose us.
37 sec
Book in Just Minutes
Simple and hassle-free scheduling for your convenience.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
SurgiPet is a dedicated surgery center for pets: our entire facility, team, and protocols are focused on anesthesia and surgery every day.
You’ll meet directly with our surgeon, review your pet’s diagnosis, and get clear recommendations with a flat-fee quote. In many cases, you can choose consultation and surgery on the same day, with no obligation to proceed.
Every patient is also cared for by an anesthesia specialist with advanced training in keeping pets safe and comfortable. If you are worried about anesthesia, you can speak directly with our specialist to ask questions and feel more at ease.
The best next step is to schedule a surgery consultation so we can review all options together. Sometimes surgery is the best choice, and sometimes it isn’t; our goal is to help choose what’s right for your pet.
TECA surgery removes the entire ear canal and middle ear, which means your dog will lose hearing in that ear. However, most owners don’t notice a major difference.
Many dogs already have reduced or no hearing on the affected side due to chronic infections. Dogs adjust extremely well after surgery and are often more comfortable, active, and happy without the constant pain and pressure.
TECA is a major surgery, but our team uses advanced pain control techniques before, during, and after the procedure. Most dogs are noticeably more comfortable within days and no longer suffer from the constant pain and pressure of ear infections.
Most dogs are back to normal activity within 2–3 weeks. Some mild facial asymmetry or head tilt may persist but usually improves. We provide full support through recovery, including rechecks and 7 day-a-week access to our team.
The diseased ear canal is removed entirely during this surgical procedure. Despite the delicate nature of what’s involved, a skilled surgeon will have fewer complications during the surgery. SurgiPet team is extremely experienced in performing TECA procedures safely and successfully.
- Following complete removal of the ear canal, abnormal tissue from the middle ear is also taken away.
- Although the ear canal is removed entirely, your pet’s ear flap (pinna) will remain intact.
Damage to the ear canal is typically painful for your pet because it is very narrow and is often accompanied by a build-up of ear wax, which also contributes to limited hearing.
With the ear drum being ruptured, the deeper structures of the ear get infected. In some cases, this can lead to cancerous tumors of the ear canal.
Whether there are tumors present, or the long-term chronic infection is causing ongoing health issues, most veterinarians will recommend TECA surgery as the best option for resolving the issues.
- The prognosis for dogs undergoing TECA surgery is very positive.
- For the dog, it means relief from constant pain and inflammation.
- For the pet parent, it brings freedom from daily cleaning and medication routines.
- Both pet and owner enjoy a much better quality of life after the procedure.
At SurgiPet, TECA(BO) surgery is priced as a flat-fee package that includes nearly everything your dog needs for surgery and follow-up care, so you know your costs up front.
What’s included in the flat fee:
- All consultations with the surgeon
- Anesthesia managed by a doctor who specializes only in anesthesia and pain control — the same type of specialist who runs anesthesia in human hospitals
- Operating room and surgeon’s fee
- All standard surgical supplies used during your dog’s procedure
- Pain medication, sedatives, antibiotics, and anti-nausea meds for the first 2 weeks
- All recheck exams for 4 months (sedation included if needed)
- Pre-op bloodwork and chest X-rays (if needed)
- Cost of laboratory testing (bacterial culture and biopsy/histopathology)
Not included items: CT scan, ultrasound, MRI, medications beyond 2 weeks (if needed), treatment of surgical complications, or rechecks beyond 4 months.
TECA(BO) surgery pricing at SurgiPet (2025):
- One ear: $4,750
- Both ears: $6,790
For dogs with ear canal tumors, pricing depends on case complexity. Schedule a surgery consultation to discuss your pet’s options in detail.
You’ll meet with both the surgeon and anesthesiologist in person to review the plan and ask any final questions. Your dog’s surgery is performed in a modern OR using LigaSure system for optimal surgical conditions.
An anesthesiologist monitors your pet throughout, using advanced equipment and multimodal pain control. After surgery, your pet recovers in a quiet area under direct supervision. Most dogs are ready to go home by the evening - fully awake, comfortable, and sent home with meds, and clear, personalized care instructions.