Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits. With a traditional otoscope, visibility is limited to the outer parts of the ear canal, but video-otoscopy brings an entirely new level of diagnostics and treatment. The method uses a thin, rigid endoscope with a high-definition camera and bright light inserted into the ear canal — the image is projected magnified onto a monitor in real time.
Why Video-Otoscopy?
Compared to a traditional otoscope, video-otoscopy offers significantly better magnification and illumination, enabling detailed examination of the entire ear canal and tympanic membrane. Through the endoscope, specialized tools can be used simultaneously: flushing catheters, brushes, biopsy forceps and suction devices. This way diagnosis and treatment happen in the same procedure.
When Is Video-Otoscopy Recommended?
Video-otoscopy is especially useful for chronic ear infections that do not respond to conventional medical treatment. Typical indications include recurrent ear infections, suspected foreign bodies (e.g. grass awns in the ear canal), polyps or tumors in the ear canal, suspected tympanic membrane damage, and middle ear infections.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Video-otoscopy is performed under general anesthesia because the ear canal is sensitive and the patient must remain completely still. The veterinarian carefully guides the endoscope into the ear canal and examines its full length on the monitor. The ear canal is thoroughly flushed — debris, discharge and biofilm are removed. If needed, samples are collected for bacterial culture, foreign bodies or polyps are removed, or a myringotomy (opening of the tympanic membrane) is performed to examine and treat the middle ear.
Chronic Ear Infections and Their Challenges
Chronic ear infection is especially common in floppy-eared dog breeds and allergic dogs. Prolonged inflammation can lead to narrowing of the ear canal, biofilm formation, and growth of resistant bacteria. Video-otoscopy enables thorough deep cleaning where the biofilm protecting bacteria is mechanically removed. After cleaning, medication can be applied directly to the inflamed area.
When Should You Contact Us?
If your pet scratches its ears repeatedly, there is a bad smell or discharge from the ears, the head is tilted, or ear infections keep returning despite treatment — video-otoscopy may be the key to solving the problem. Book an appointment for examination, and we will investigate the situation and plan an effective treatment strategy.