Video Otoscopy (Advanced Ear Care)

Ear problems can be frustrating for both pets and their families—and they’re often more complex than they appear on the surface.

At Animal Hospital of Nicholasville, our video otoscope allows us to examine your pet’s ears in a more detailed and interactive way. Using a specialized camera, we can view the ear canal on a screen in real time—so you can see exactly what we see.

A Clearer Look, Better Understanding

Dogs and cats have long ear canals, which can make infections, debris, and inflammation difficult to fully evaluate with a standard exam alone.

With video otoscopy, we’re able to:

  • Examine the ear canal in greater detail

  • Identify infection, inflammation, or foreign material

  • Show you what’s happening inside your pet’s ear

  • Make more informed treatment decisions

This shared view helps you better understand your pet’s condition and the reasoning behind our recommendations.

When to Have Your Pet’s Ears Checked

Signs of ear issues may include:

  • Head shaking or scratching

  • Odor or discharge from the ears

  • Redness or swelling

  • Sensitivity when touched

  • Holding the ears differently or head tilting

If you’re noticing any of these changes, an exam can help us determine what’s going on and how best to treat it.

Deep Cleaning for Lasting Relief

In more advanced or chronic cases, we may recommend a thorough ear flush performed under anesthesia using the video otoscope.

This allows us to:

  • Remove built-up wax and debris completely

  • Reach deeper into the ear canal safely

  • Improve the effectiveness of medications

When debris is left in the ear, it can block medications from reaching the tissue where they’re needed. A proper flush gives us a clean starting point, helping treatment work more effectively and comfortably.

For some pets, treatment may include at-home ear medications. In other cases, we may use longer-acting medications placed in the clinic for extended relief.

Supporting Long-Term Ear Health

Some conditions—such as chronic infections or ear mite infestations, especially in cats—can lead to significant buildup and discomfort if not addressed thoroughly.

Our goal is to not only treat the current issue, but to help prevent ongoing problems and keep your pet comfortable long-term.

If your pet is showing signs of ear discomfort or you have concerns about their ears, give us a call at (859) 887-8086. We’re here to help you find answers and provide relief.