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One of the most important technologies to reach clinical veterinary medicine is video otoscopy.
Video otoscopy magnifies the image of the ear canal, including pathology to the deeper
portions of the ear canal and ear drum (tympanic membrane).
We have found that the use of video otoscopy during routine wellness visits is far superior
to hand-held otoscopy. We have uncovered a vast world of ear disease, previously not diagnosed
or misdiagnosed with the hand-held units.
Video otoscopy has deepened our understanding of ear disease with food-related allergies
(cutaneous adverse food reactions). We are now able to show the client their pet's chronic
ear disease and the likely causes come from over stimulation of the wax glands due to
allergies. This over secretion of wax leads to secondary yeast and bacterial infections.
With video otoscopy, we are able to visualize middle ear infections by observing the health
of the ear drum, tympanic membrane. We have been able to identify tears or ruptures of the
ear drum and can observe the process of healing, as well. We have been able to identify
anatomic abnormalities to the ear canals that predispose the patient to chronic or recurring
disease.
By use of the otoscopy, we are able to vigorously flush the ear canal of discharge and debris,
taking samples for cytology and culture as we go.
This new technology has been a big help in educating the pet owner concerning their pet's
health issues. We can better understand the impact of the foods that the client is feeding
and underscore the need for longer term treatment. The client can also immediately see how
well their pet is improving by providing digital photographs of the examination.
We are enormously pleased to have invested our resources in this helpful technology. We feel
that we are really helping our patients through better visualization of the ear canal.
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