What’s New? We now have Video Otoscopy

What is video otoscopy? What’s the big deal?

A video otoscope is similar in function to an endoscope (which a lot of you are probably intimately aware of unfortunately). The scope has a halogen light source and magnification. This makes a very bright and very big image that is put onto a screen. Unlike an endoscope, which is long and flexible, the otoscope is rigid and fitted for the ear. This allows us to put the scope deep into the ear so we can get a much better view that with a handheld otoscope we were forced to use before. The scope has a computer attached as well as a printer so comparisons over time can be made. The scope also has a channel that can allow for biopsies, deep flushing/sucking, and grasping deep hairs or balls of wax. Basically the scope gives us the ability to see what is going on, what we are doing, and an ability to safely fix the problem immediately.

My dog has an ear infection…does he need video otoscopy?

Video otoscopy is ideally suited for those nasty ear infections, especially if there is a middle ear infection. Cases of chronic or recurrent infections are situations where an undiagnosed or undertreated case of a middle ear infection is going on. Video otoscopy is a major component of aggressive management of ear infections.

What else can it do?

The video otoscope can double as a rhinoscope (for the nose) and attaches to conventional endoscopes. There is also a video camera attachment and a microscope attachment so records can be kept for other problems as well as ears.

Because of the multiple attachments and recording capabilities, it allows us to diagnose disease, perform procedures with minimal invasiveness, and share our entire finding with you in a visual way. This includes:

• dental evaluation for dogs, cats, and especially rabbits
• intubation of rabbits for anesthesia
• microscopic cytology
• video/pictures of skin lesion progression
• Video of lameness, behaviors, seizures, etc.
• rectal and vaginal examinations

We purchased the video otoscope to better serve your pets needs. Ear problems are a constant source of frustration to pet owners and veterinarians alike. We now have a powerful tool at our disposal. Please feel welcome to come by to see a demonstration of this remarkable new technology.

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