A better view of the ear

Approximately 15-20% of all dogs, and a smaller percentage of cats, have ear problems. Ear problems can cause moderate discomfort to severe pain for your pets and can result in hearing loss and even neurological problems. However, diagnosis is often problematic. Our hospital has acquired a new diagnostic tool to assist our veterinarians determine the cause of your pet’s ear problem. The Video Vetscope, pictured here, was purchased a few months ago for this purpose.

Typically, ear problems are diagnosed by a combination of visual examination by the veterinarian and a cytology of discharge from the ear. In many simple cases, this is sufficient for the doctor to determine the cause of the problem and to devise a treatment plan.

However, in many cases these diagnostic tools are not sufficient. Due to the shape of the ear canal, which is like an “L”, it is often difficult to see all the way to the tympanic membrane or ear drum. This can be further exacerbated if the ear is so painful, swollen, or full of discharge that the veterinarian cannot conduct a thorough visual examination. The Video Vetscope enhances the veterinarian’s capabilities in this respect.

This system has several important capabilities. First, by means of a small camera on the end of an otoscope, the doctor can see all the way into the ear. This view is displayed on a computer monitor and can also be captured on film. Second, debris or foreign bodies can be grasped and cleared from the ear with a biopsy instrument inserted through the otoscope. Finally, the vetscope is equipped with a system that can flush debris out of the ear.

These capabilities are especially important in the case of chronic ear problems because the infection may be secondary to another problem in the ear, such as a tumor or foreign body. These may not be evident on a normal visual examination of the ear.

Depending on the situation, your pet may or may not be sedated for this procedure. Ear flushes are always performed under sedation. Examinations may be done without sedation depending on the tolerance level of your pet. Although designed for the ear, our doctors have found the system is also helpful in examining areas of the mouth that are difficult to see.

In the few months that we have used the video vetscope, we have been very excited by its capabilities. It will significantly enhance our ability to diagnose and treat your pet’s ear problems.