Vet Organics

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Cat Ear Infections: Diagnosis – Symptoms - Treatment

It isn’t common for cats to get ear infections, but when they do they can be serious. Otodectes cynotis is the most common type of ear infection that occurs cats and it’s commonly seen in nearly 90% of cats. The small size of the mites makes them impossible to see with the human eye. When left untreated, ear mites can cause internal and external damage to the ear canal.

Vets prefer to rule out the possibility of ear infections by testing for ear mites. Ear mites are small, eight-legged creatures that live inside the ear canals of both pets and humans. The creatures feed on the wax and oil build up inside a cat’s ears. Ear mites have a life span of about three weeks. During the mites’ life cycle, a cat’s ears are subject to inflammation, and irritability.

In the most severe cases, an infection will cause the ears to produce dark coffee-like debris. This substance indicates the seriousness of the condition, as well as the progression of the infection. Pet owners should be aware of the highly contagious nature of ear mites, as they are transmittable from pet to pet.

Nine Signs that Indicate the Presence of Ear Mites

Very few illnesses or diseases show up without displaying or leaving behind one or more symptoms. Like most animals that experience ear irritation, cats will show one or more of the following signs. 1. Ear inflammation or irritability 2. Strong odor from ear 3. Shaking head 4. Skin irritation and hair loss 5. Ear rubbing and excessive scratching 6. Coffee-like grinds which obstruct the ear canal 7. Ear wax secretion, brown or black in color 8. Signs of scratching and scabs around the ears 9. Imbalance or disorientation

Diagnosis and Treatment

Before the vet makes a final diagnosis, the vet will likely order one or more tests. Making a proper diagnosis requires taking X-rays and potentially administering sedatives. The most common types of treatment the vet uses to treat ear infections in cats are corticosteroids, anti-parasitics, antibiotics, and anti-fungals.

While prevention might not be possible in most cases, quick response to treatment creates effective results. The sooner ear infections are noticed and brought to the attention of a vet, the sooner a pet can get help, and the spread of ear mites and associated infections can be prevented

Contact Us

Vet Organics P.O. Box 880655 Boca Raton, FL 33488Telephone:  561.206.4476Fax: 561.609.0609Email: info@vet-organics.com