Ear Exams
Ear Exams
Regular ear exams prevent chronic infections, painful inflammation, and hearing loss—especially for animals exposed to North Texas dirt and moisture.
Through Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, PLLC, Dr. Holly Crews brings precise, mobile care straight to your home or pasture. By combining advanced clinical skills with clear communication, she catches issues early and ensures you have the honest answers you need to keep your animal comfortable and healthy.
What to Expect During Ear Exams
When you bring your pet in for an ear exam, Dr. Holly Crews ensures the process is gentle, thorough, and stress-free.
Visual Inspection
Dr. Crews comforts your pet while checking the outer ears for redness, swelling, or discharge.
Otoscopic Exam
Using a specialized otoscope, she looks deep into the ear canal to spot hidden issues like mites, foreign objects, or inflammation.
Testing
If needed, she will take a quick, painless swab to pinpoint the exact cause of irritation, combining standard diagnostics with a holistic evaluation.
Cleaning & Care
Dr. Crews will gently clean the ears and provide a clear, custom treatment plan along with easy at-home care instructions.
Why Ear Exams are Important for Your Pet
Routine ear exams play a crucial role in preventing discomfort, chronic infections, and long-term ear problems in both dogs and cats. Left unchecked, even minor ear issues can progress rapidly, creating pain, odor, hearing loss, or neurological issues.
Integrating ear exams into your pet’s regular care helps catch problems before they escalate. Untreated infections and parasites are common causes of discomfort but can be easily managed or prevented with timely veterinary care.
Early Detection of Problems
Regular veterinary ear exams allow Dr. Holly to identify issues like infections, ear mites, or foreign bodies early, keeping your pet healthy and comfortable.
Prevention of Chronic Conditions
Prompt intervention helps prevent chronic ear diseases that can lead to scarring, excessive discharge, or permanent hearing loss, especially in breeds predisposed to these conditions.
Improved Comfort and Quality of Life
Clean, pain-free ears support your pet’s happiness, alertness, and responsiveness. Preventive care ensures your pet enjoys everyday life without the distraction of ear pain.
Signs Your Pet May Need an Ear Exam
Ear problems are common in pets, but recognizing the signs helps you act quickly. Schedule a pet ear exam if you notice:
- Persistent scratching or pawing at the ears
- Head shaking or tilting
- Redness or swelling around the ear canal
- Unusual odor or discharge from the ears
- Sensitivity or pain when ears are touched
If you see any of these symptoms, contact Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, PLLC right away. Prompt care from Dr. Crews can reduce discomfort and stop problems from becoming more severe.
How Often Should Your Pet Receive Ear Exams?
Routine ear exams are recommended at least once a year during your pet’s comprehensive veterinary visit. For pets with a history of ear infections, allergies, or breed-specific concerns, more frequent exams may be necessary.
Puppies, kittens, and older pets often require closer monitoring. Some breeds, including those with long, floppy ears or heavy coats, benefit from biannual exams or extra checks after swimming or grooming.
Dr. Crews will customize a schedule based on your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle, ensuring optimal ear health every year.
Practice Highlights
- Veterinary expertise: Dr. Holly Crews has advanced certifications in veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic, providing comprehensive insights during every ear exam.
- All-species care: Dr. Crews evaluates ear health for all companion animals, including dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and exotics.
- Educational philosophy: Pet owners receive clear, practical guidance for at-home ear care as part of our mission.
- Convenient, mobile care: Exams available both at our location and through mobile visits for homes or farms.
- Commitment to client communication: Your questions are always welcome; Dr. Holly aim to empower owners with every visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pet needs an ear exam?
Common signs include head shaking, scratching, or unusual odor from the ears. Dr. Holly recommend a prompt exam if any symptoms arise or as part of routine preventive care.
How much does an ear exam cost, and how long does it take?
The cost and duration of an ear exam usually depend on your pet’s species and whether diagnostics are needed. Please call Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, PLLC at (417) 281-4406 for up-to-date pricing and scheduling.
Should I do anything at home to prepare my pet for an ear exam?
Most pets do not require special preparation. Avoid cleaning the ears beforehand so Dr. Crews can accurately assess their condition, and bring any history of symptoms. Dr. Holly focus on gentle handling throughout every visit.
What conditions can routine ear exams help prevent?
Regular ear exams aid in the detection and prevention of infections, ear mites, polyps, foreign bodies, and allergies, supporting lifelong comfort and hearing for a variety of species.
How do I schedule an appointment, and what are your hours?
You can schedule ear exam by calling (417) 281-4406. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday appointments available.
Schedule Ear Exam
Don’t wait if your pet is showing signs of ear discomfort or you want to include preventive care in their routine. Call Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, PLLC at (417) 281-4406 to book your pet’s veterinary ear exam.
Your pet’s comfort and health are our top priorities. Contact Dr. Crews to schedule a comprehensive ear exam.
