Rhinoscopy is a procedure used to examine the entire nasal cavity with a small flexible endoscope.

Flexible rhinoscopy is a useful addition to the physical examination that allows direct visualisation of structures within the nasal cavities that may not be visible by the physical examination alone.

Rhinoscopy may be recommended if your pet has:

  • Chronic nasal discharge
  • Chronic sneezing
  • Nasal bleeding
  • Nasal congestion
  • Decreased nasal airflow
  • Suspicion of nasal foreign body

Your pet would need to be anaesthetised or sedated for this procedure.

Otoscopy is an examination that involves looking into the ear with an instrument called an otoscope (or auriscope). This is performed in order to examine the ‘external auditory canal’ – the tunnel that leads from the outer ear (pinna) to the eardrum.

The use of video otoscopy provides the best view and examination of the ear canal. It has a strong light without increased heat and it has a magnified view. This allows us to best evaluate the health of the ear and for any abnormalities that require attention.

We can check for:

  • masses
  • structural abnormalities
  • foreign material
  • ear mites
  • bacterial or fungal infections
  • the general health of the ear canal
  • evaluate the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Normal ear canal and view of eardrum

Abnormal ear canal

Video otoscopy also works underwater so that we can flush the debris as we are viewing the canal. This means video otoscopy is involved in both diagnosing and treatment.

In some circumstances, your pet may need to be sedated or anaesthetised for this procedure.