Microscopes, Otoscopes, Ophthalmoscopes, and Stethoscopes
What They Are and Why We Use Them
Scopes,
scopes, scopes, galore. We have many uses for several different types of scopes
here at Hazel Dell Animal Hospital. A basic definition of a scope is a device
that is used for looking or scanning. They are all used to assist our
Veterinarians and our staff. If you happen to see a few of these around the
hospital, you will now understand more of what they are being used for. Feel
free to ask us questions about any of them.
Microscopes are probably the
easiest to identify here in the hospital and we use these to look at stool,
urine, blood, or other various samples. Ear Cytology, for example could tell
you if your pet has yeast, bacteria, or ear wax in their ears. These findings
can help tell Dr. McDaniel or Dr. Bassett whether or not it is necessary to
treat your pet’s ears. Examining a fecal
sample for intestinal parasites is a very helpful tool as there are some
parasites that humans can pick up and others that can make your pets
very sick. Many times we can know if there is a problem before you leave the
hospital so that medications can be given same day. Looking at skin cytology to
check for fungal, bacterial, or yeast infections help to identify skin problems
and help to get your pets feeling better faster. Urine samples are brought in
usually when a pet has a possible urinary tract infection and it is also looked
at under the microscope.
An Otoscope is a tool that is used
to look inside the ears. As a part of an exam, your pet’s ears will be looked
at to be sure there is no infection.
Looking down to the eardrum can also help determine if there is any
defect inside the ear that would be difficult to determine by looking without a
scope. It is also a safer way to look down the ears as the ear cone is not
abrasive. After the exam, ear cytology
can be helpful in determining if medications are needed. If you are not sure if your pet has an ear
infection, please call and stop by and we can help make sure your pet is healthy.
Another big part of a veterinary
exam here at Hazel Dell Animal Hospital is an eye exam. Dr. McDaniel and Dr. Bassett will look at
each of the eyes to check for changes or defects. An Ophthalmoscope is what
allows them to look more in-depth at your pet’s eyes. At home, if you see redness, discharge, or squinting, it may be time to call us. Changes in the retina, ulcers, and nuclear
sclerosis are just some of the few items that our veterinarians would notice
and be able to help with. The Ophthalmoscope is just one of the tools that
would be used to help diagnose a problem. If you see them in the exam room, you
will now know what instrument the doctors are using to allow for the best care
for your dog or cat.
A Stethoscope is an invaluable tool
that evaluates the heart, lungs, and also gastrointestinal sounds. Our doctors and our nurses will use a
stethoscope to listen for abnormalities and to see what is normal for your pet.
We are looking for heart murmurs and heart defects as well as harsh sounds in
the lungs. Many horse vets listen for changes in normal sounds in the gastrointestinal
tract. We also will keep our stethoscopes close by during surgical/anesthetic procedures
to ensure that your pet continues to have normal heart and lung sounds. This is an invaluable tool that can help with
diagnosis and lead to proper treatment and your pet feeling his or her best.
We use many tools here within the hospital in order to help your pets stay healthy. Our patients do not talk to us so sometimes we need these diagnostic tools to aid in the diagnosis for treatment. If you ever have a question about any of them, please let us know and we are happy to explain them to you.
written by Danielle Fuller ~ RVT
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