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 has twenty years of experience with various soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. After graduating from veterinary school, he completed rigorous specialty training in veterinary surgery.
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 make high-quality, specialized surgical care more accessible and affordable for pets in San Diego and surrounding communities, with a focus on procedures like TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament repair.
Outside of surgery, Dr. Wypart enjoys growing vegetables in his backyard, perfecting new soup recipes, and hiking Potato Chip Mountain.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA, is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with over fifteen years of experience. She ensures pets stay safe, stable, and comfortable - just as human anesthesiologists do for people.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA is the Medical Director and co-founder of SurgiPet, where she leads the development of advanced anesthesia protocols to ensure surgical safety and comfort for every patient. She has been dedicated to veterinary anesthesia for over a decade, having completed a competitive 3-year residency in Anesthesia and Pain Management at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school known for its highly respected veterinary training program.
One of only a few board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists practicing in San Diego County, Dr. Wypart’s clinical focus is entirely on keeping pets safe and pain-free during surgery. 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.
Her protocols have been adopted by practices across the region, reflecting her commitment to elevating anesthesia standards and improving surgical outcomes. She collaborates closely with primary care veterinarians and pet owners throughout San Diego County, offering individualized patient care, advanced consultation, and hands-on training for veterinary technicians.
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
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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
At SurgiPet, you receive expert surgical care, advanced anesthesia monitoring, transparent pricing, and dedicated post-op support - all designed to help your dog get back to normal faster.
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.
TECA surgery typically costs $6,000–$12,000 at large hospitals in Southern California. At SurgiPet, our 2025 flat fee is $4,750 for one side or $6,790 for both sides. This includes all standard surgical costs - consultation, anesthesia with board-certified anesthesiologist care, operating room, and surgeon’s fee - plus extras that are often billed separately elsewhere, including:
- Pain meds, sedative, antibiotics, anti-nausea meds (for the first 2 weeks)
- Surgical drain (if needed)
- All rechecks that may be needed for up to 4 months
- Pre-op bloodwork and chest films (if needed)
- Cost of laboratory testing (Bacterial culture and Biopsy/Histopathology)
Not included items: medications if needed beyond two weeks (e.g. antibiotics, sedatives), surgical complications, CT scan or ultrasound, or rechecks beyond 4 months.
For dogs with ear canal tumors, pricing depends on case complexity. Most quotes can be provided based on medical records via email or phone.
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.