A video otoscopy allows veterinarians to view the interior of your pet’s ear using advanced technology to identify and diagnose an ear condition. If your pet has been scratching its ears a lot or struggles with chronic ear infections, a video otoscopy might be needed. Dr. Katie Berthelot and Dr. Charles Carville, the experienced veterinarians at Carville Veterinary Clinic in Plaquemine, LA, can perform a video otoscopy to diagnose and treat your pet’s ear condition.
What is a Video Otoscopy?
A video otoscopy is a procedure for viewing and gathering images of the interior of your pet’s ear, including the ear canal and eardrum. The procedure utilizes a tool called a video otoscope, which small handheld camera with fiber optic technology for closely examining the ear. The video otoscope emits light into the ear so it is easier to see what’s going on inside, while also capturing and transmitting magnified images onto a screen or monitor for the doctor to view.
Viewing magnified images on the screen provides a more detailed view of the ear and makes it easier to quickly diagnose the problem. Your pet must remain still during the procedure in order to obtain quality images, so it might be necessary to administer anesthesia or a sedative prior to beginning a video otoscopy. Sedation or anesthesia is also needed if a sample needs to be taken for biopsy or if a foreign object is being removed from inside the ear.
Ear Conditions
A video otoscopy can be used to diagnose several different conditions that can affect your pet’s ears, such as allergies. Once the problem is identified, the skilled veterinarians at our office in Plaquemine can recommend a specific treatment approach to help your pet heal. Examples of ear conditions that can be diagnosed by gathering ear images through video otoscopy include:
- Ear mites
- Ear infections
- Impacted ears
- Foreign materials in the ears
- Ruptured eardrum
- Tumors in the ear
- Allergies
A video otoscopy is an effective way of gathering detailed images of the ear so the veterinarian can quickly diagnose your pet’s ear condition and promptly begin treatment. Your pet might need one if they are experiencing chronic ear infections or have been frequently scratching at the ears. To schedule an appointment for your pet with Dr. Berthelot or Dr. Carville, call Carville Veterinary Clinic in Plaquemine, LA, at (225) 687-7387.