Case Studies

Hypertonic Nasal Saline Drops for an Upper Respiratory Infection

A 10 year-old FS DSH presented for chronic sneezing and nasal discharge. The owner reported that she had been placed on antibiotics several times in the past with some improvement but no resolution of clinical signs. On physical examination, she had bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, moderate dental disease and referred upper respiratory noise on auscultation of her lungs. Diagnostics offered to the owner included blood work, nasal radiographs, rhinoscopy +/- biopsy and culture if indicated. A dental was also recommended. The owner elected to start with blood work, and a dental with nasal radiographs. The blood work revealed a leukocytosis. The remainder of the blood work was within...

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GlycoZoo Case Study

A 5 year-old female spayed cocker spaniel presented for a routine annual veterinary examination. On physical examination, she had grade 2/4 dental disease, a  greasy, malodorous coat with generalized scaling and was slightly overweight. The owner reported that that patient was not pruritic but did notice that she smelled badly. Skin cytology and skin scraping were performed and found to be negative. Blood work (including a thyroid level) and a urinalysis were submitted to the laboratory, and returned normal besides a slightly elevated Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP), which was attributed to the dental disease. A DTM was also performed and negative results were obtained a few weeks later. The...

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The Earigator: Wound Flushing

The Earigator may be used in other ways besides flushing ears. If presented with a bite wound that needs to be flushed under pressure, the Earigator may be used along with DermaFlush(™) Premixed Saline Packets. DermaFlush is a saline crystal packet that when added to water creates a saline solution which can be used anywhere a saline flush may be beneficial, including ears, sinuses, wounds and external surgery. DermaFlush will be available in October 2013. Prior to using the  Earigator to flush a wound, clean and flush the unit and the tubing with a mild bleach solution and water. Then cut the tip off the catheter tipped end of a 10 - 12 Fr red rubber feeding tube to fit the trumpet valve...

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Case Study: Tooth Fracture

A 5 year-old female mix breed dog presented for left facial swelling. On oral examination, the upper left 4th premolar was found to have a fractured crown with an exposed pulp cavity and gingival swelling surrounding the tooth. The patient was placed on Clindamycin for 2 days duration pending blood work, which was normal despite a neutrophilia. A fractured tooth with obviously exposed pulp, a discolored tooth, facial swelling, and a draining tract are all indications of endodontic disease. A root canal or extraction must be performed on a fractured or worn tooth with pulp exposure. The owners declined referral to a dentist and elected for extraction of the tooth. The patient was placed...

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Image of a Ruptured Tympanic Membrane

It is important to visualize and clean the ear canals in order to effectively manage cases of chronic otitis. The OtoPet-USA Video Vetscope may be used for visualization in conjunction with the OtoPet-USA Earigator, which may be used to lavage, suction and remove debris from the ear canals. Excessive debris must be cleaned out for several reasons when managing cases of otitis. Debris can block the penetration of topical agents to the affected tissue requiring treatment, and large deposits may prevent medication from reaching the deeper parts of the ear canal. Larger clumps of debris that remain in the ear canal may sequester organisms as well. Debris can also protect microbes that are...

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Case Study: Tick Infestation in Ear Canal Diagnosis and Treatment

A 5 year-old female mixed breed dog from Arizona was presented for head shaking and discomfort for several days duration. A physical examination was performed and within normal limits. Next, an otoscopic examination was performed in the exam room using the OtoPet-USA Video Vetscope. The Video Vestcope probe was inserted into both ear canals. The image here of the left ear canal was visualized and captured using the video monitor. The owner was able to see the ticks within the left ear canal on the monitor, and the dog was taken into the procedure room for removal of the ticks. This was a case of Otobius megnini infestation. Otobius megnini, the spinous ear tick, is a soft-bodied tick found...

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Proper Ear Cleaning

In order to effectively manage cases of otitis it is very important to thoroughly clean the ear canals. It is often the most important step in managing otitis, as cases may become chronic without proper cleaning. In order to effectively clean ears the OtoPet-USA Earigator should be used for lavage and suction of the ear canal to remove debris along with the OtoPet-USA Video VetScope, which allows for visualization of the ear canal. It is extremely important to clean out excessive or abnormal debris when managing cases of otitis. Debris can block the penetration of topical agents to the affected tissue requiring treatment, and large deposits may prevent medication from reaching the deeper...

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Air Bubbles: Diagnosing a Ruptured Tympanic Membrane

A 14 year-old female spayed DSH presented for head shaking, scratching at both ears and owner-reported decreased hearing for several weeks duration. Her medical history included chronic ear infections over several years, all treated with Tresaderm. The other cat in the house was healthy with no history of otitis. On physical examination, the patient had brown ceruminous discharge, hyperemia of the ear canal, and pain in the left ear. She had mild ceruminous discharge in the right ear. She also had dental disease. Ear cytology revealed 3+ cocci and 3+ yeast with no mites in the left ear and negative in the right ear. The client was asked to return the patient for a dental, ear flush and ear...

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Using the Video Vetscope to Visualize

The Video Vetscope can easily be incorporated into your daily veterinary practice. When used in routine exams, the machine allows clients to engage in the examination and visualization of a condition can support a clients investment in treatment. The Vetscope probe can be placed into the ears allowing visualization on an exam room screen of otitis externa, otitis media, polpys and foreign bodies. To the right is an image of a ruptured tympanic membrane in a dog brought in for excessive scratching at his ear. Visualization allowed the client to better understand the severity of their pet's problem. An eye exam can also be captured with the probe. Clients can see of abnormalities of the eye...

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Chronic Otitis Case Study

Dr. Benaryeh from Spicewood Animal Hospital was presented with a dog that had been suffering with chronic ear infections for 6 years. Fortunately, Dr. Benaryeh acquired the OtoPet-USA Video Vetscope Tower System, and while the dog was under general anesthesia he was able to visualize polyps covering the tympanic membranes of both ears. Pictures of the polyps were taken and printed for the owner. The equipment also allowed Dr. Benaryeh to remove the polyps with forceps through the 2mm working channel attached to the videoscope. Once the polyps were removed they were sent to the lab for evaluation. Additionally, a swab of the exudate was taken with the videoscope probe through the working...

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