SCIENCE

 OTOSCOPY EXAMINATION IN SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE.

Otoscopy is the clinical examination of the structures of the ear particularly the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear. Otoscopy detects foreign bodies, lesions, exudate, and pathologic changes that have occurred in the ear canal. It may also be helpful in assessing the tympanic membrane of animals.

The technique for doing proper otoscopic examination is one that allows complete visualization with minimal pain or trauma. Inflammation may make it difficult to complete an otoscopic examination without sedation but in many dogs or cats, poor technique will also prevent a complete examination.

This diagnostic method uses a flexible tool with a camera and a light on the end of it to get a magnified look at the inside of the ear canal. This makes finding any abnormalities, discharge, or foreign objects much easier. Various tools can be added to the end of the otoscope including fine aspiration needles, brushes.

Some dogs will not allow their ears to be manipulated and therefore must be sedated prior to the procedure. To begin the otoscopy, the flexible tool is inserted into the ear canal. A full evaluation of the anatomy can then be performed. A magnified image of everything that the otoscope sees is projected on a large screen in a video otoscopy (there is normal manual Otoscope).

This method is meant to help diagnose conditions of the ear, not cure them. Once the cause of ear problems has been found, a treatment plan can be made. Otoscopy is an effective, non-invasive way to collect information about the external ear and the ear canal. An otoscopy can correctly identify many abnormalities of the ear.

The procedure can cause irritation or even pain to the dog, as the examined ear may be inflamed and the affected area will likely be painful. There are not a lot of risks associated with otoscopy, however, it is possible for the dog's ear drum to be ruptured if punctured in the process. This can be avoided with proper technique, so, learning from an otoscopy expert and getting perfect during practice will help a lot. If general anesthesia is used, certain risks that are rare, but serious, may also exist so, watch out.

What are the signs and symptoms that may warrant for otoscopy?

If the dog has infection of the external ear, it should bother the clinician to want to probe the inclusion or extension of the infection into the middle ear.

The owner might have been noticing frequent or rigorous shaking of the head but may not see it as important. As much as this can be a sign of otitis media, it can also trigger aural hematoma.

Discharges from the ear might be noticed or unnoticed by the pet owner. This is easily noticed on total careful examination of the pet by the clinician on presentation. So, you might want to probe to see what's going on in the ear canal or inner ear using otoscopy.

The owner might or might not notice head tilting in the pet. It might be sign of something going on in the ear and you would want to check.

Mite infestation might probably affect the ear causing inflammation. Otoscopy will give a comprehensive view and identification of mite infestation in the ear.

Trauma is another cause of damage to the ear. You might notice rupture or laceration of the tympanic membrane or ear drum on otoscopy.

Usually, infections of the middle ear go unnoticed even when dog is presented to the clinic especially in practices in Nigeria. So, you might want to increase your disease diagnosis while making extra income in your practice by getting on otoscope and learning otoscopy.