Otoscopy
Our veterinary internal medicine specialists offer video otoscopy to assist in the diagnosis of difficult ear problems. Ear disease is present in approximately 30% of patients that present for dermatology problems and range from external and middle ear infections, ear mites, foreign bodies in the ear canal and ear canal/middle ear tumors. Most general practitioners have a hand-held otoscope which gives a limited view of the ear canal and eardrum. If an ear problem becomes recurrent, our specialists will use a video otoscope which allows deep examination and diagnostic sampling of the external and middle ear. It is specially designed to fit in the ear canal for ease of use. It allows for precise visual control so a myringotomy (procedure which relieves pressure within the eardrum) can be performed. In addition, it is designed for treatment of various conditions such as cleansing the ear with flushing and suctioning, curettage of excess debris, removal of foreign bodies, wax plugs and polyps, and biopsy of masses in the ear canal or middle ear.
