Video Otoscopy

Video Otoscopy in Pacific Grove, CA

Welcome to Pacific Grove Animal Hospital, where our veterinary team uses advanced video otoscope technology to provide precise, compassionate ear care for your pets.

Understanding Video Otoscopy

Video otoscopy is a modern diagnostic tool that lets our veterinarians examine your pet’s ear canal in real time using a tiny, high-resolution camera. It provides a clear, magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum, revealing details that traditional otoscopes may miss. This technology is especially valuable for pets with chronic ear infections, unexplained discomfort, or debris deep in the ear canal.

With video otoscopy, our team can detect infections, growths, foreign bodies, and inflammation with greater accuracy, so your pet receives the most targeted treatment possible. Early detection of ear problems can prevent pain, hearing loss, and long-term complications. We can also show you exactly what’s happening inside your pet’s ears, so you better understand their condition and the recommended care plan.

What to Expect During Video Otoscopy

When your pet visits for video otoscopy in Pacific Grove, our veterinary team ensures a gentle, thorough, and informative experience from start to finish.

Initial Consultation and Ear Assessment

Our veterinarians begin with a detailed history and physical examination focused on your pet’s ear health. We ask about recent symptoms, previous ear issues, prior treatments and medications, and your pet’s environment to better understand the underlying cause.

Gentle Ear Cleaning and Preparation

To achieve the clearest view, we gently clean your pet’s ears and remove any debris. If your pet is anxious or the ear is very sensitive, sedation may be recommended. Your pet’s safety and comfort are our priority throughout.

Video Otoscopy Examination

Our veterinarians carefully guide the video otoscope into the ear canal, and the camera transmits a live, magnified image to a monitor. This lets us identify inflammation, wax buildup, polyps, foreign objects, or growths with remarkable clarity. We may collect samples for laboratory analysis if needed.

Treatment Planning and Client Education

After the exam, we review the images with you and explain our findings. Dr. Kaplan Dau then recommends a personalized plan, which may include ear cleaning or flushing, medication, further diagnostics, or follow-up care, so you know exactly how to care for your pet at home.

Why Video Otoscopy is Important for Your Pet

Untreated ear problems can cause pain, hearing loss, and recurring infections, and they often worsen if not addressed early. Video otoscopy provides a deeper look at the ear canal, leading to faster diagnosis, more effective treatment, and better long-term ear health and comfort.

Accurate Diagnosis

High-resolution imaging allows our veterinarians to pinpoint the exact cause of your pet’s ear problem, whether it’s an infection, polyps, or a foreign object, so your pet gets the right treatment from the start.

Minimally Invasive and Comfortable

Video otoscopy is less stressful for most pets than traditional deep ear exams and often reduces the need for exploratory surgery or repeated exams. Many issues can be treated during the same visit.

Better Outcomes and Faster Relief

With video otoscopy, we can monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed, leading to quicker healing, fewer recurrences, and lasting relief for your pet.

Signs Your Pet May Need Video Otoscopy

Ear problems in pets are common but easy to overlook. Contact our team if you notice any of the following:

• Frequent scratching or pawing at the ears
• Head shaking or tilting
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear
• Unpleasant odor from the ear canal
• Visible debris or wax buildup
• Hearing loss, pain, or sensitivity when the ears are touched

Persistent or severe symptoms should never be ignored. Our team at Pacific Grove Animal Hospital is here to help with prompt evaluation and advanced video otoscopy in Pacific Grove and surrounding communities.

How Often Should Your Pet Receive Video Otoscopy?

Most pets only need video otoscopy when they show signs of ear disease or have a history of chronic ear problems. Pets with recurrent ear infections, allergies, or breed predispositions, such as long, floppy ears, may benefit from periodic checks to catch problems early. If your pet’s ears are healthy and they have no symptoms, routine otoscopy is not necessary; regular wellness visits and prompt attention to new symptoms are the best approach. Contact us if you’re unsure whether your pet should be examined.

Practice Highlights

Pacific Grove Animal Hospital is committed to delivering advanced ear care with compassion and expertise. Here’s what sets us apart:

• State-of-the-art technology: Video otoscopy and digital imaging for precise diagnosis
• Experienced veterinarian: Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau brings wide-ranging experience with dogs, cats, exotics, and wildlife
• Collaborative care: Visiting orthopedic surgeon, radiologist, and cardiologist for complex cases
• Personalized service: Long-term team and client relationships foster continuity of care
• Award-winning practice: Voted Best Vet in Monterey County 6 years in a row
• Flexible financing: Payment options including CareCredit and Cherry