birth defects in dogs

Question
I have just taken my 9 month old springer spaniel to be groomed and was amazed to be told that he only has one ear canal.  Discovered as he was slightly annoyed by the clippers removing dreadlocks behind one ear but not the other.
The "right" ear was just as you would expect in a springer, waxy and in need of a clean.  Fine.
The "wrong" ear is simply missing a hole and is sealed.
Is this a common occurence and does anyone have any advice. i.e. should the vet open the ear or should we leave well alone.  
He is a happy healthy handsome dog.
Anne

Answer
Hi Anne,  I have heard of this, but it is not very common at all.  I think this is more of a personal decision as far as whether to have it opened up or not.  As long as the dog is getting along fine, I personally would not see any reason to put him through the surgery.  He can still hear perfectly well through the other ear and has probably already learned to compensate for it by now.  It probably really isn't affecting his quality of life, which is what you have to think of when making the decision to do these type of surgeries.  Hope this helps,

Dawn