What’s is an ear cytology for?

An ear cytology is a laboratory procedure that allows us to microscopically (under a microscope) see what is ‘growing’ in a patient’s ear. Although we will do a comprehensive physical examination and look into your pet’s ears with an otoscope we can only ‘see so much’. Bacteria and yeast are too small to see with the naked eye and come in many types (species). Once we take a swab of the ear, we will roll the debris-laden swab onto a microscope slide, fix and stain the slide and then look under the microscope for microbe identification. Without this test, we are just guessing about which medications to use and there are dozens of medications to choose from. Clearly, successful treatment of ear disease can be expedited if we know exactly what we are treating and with which medications. If you have ever had an ‘ear-ache’ you know that they can be painful, so in addition to prescribing the needed medications for treatment the veterinarian will discuss pain management with you.

If you have any questions, or to set up an appointment for your pet, please contact us.