Ear Mites

After fleas, the ear mite Otodectes cyanotis is the most common and troublesome external parasite to affect both cats and dogs. The mites are barely visible to the human eye and inhabit the inner surface of the external ear canal, where they can sometimes be seen as minute grey specks moving over the surface. They do not pierce the skin but live on debris composed mainly of dead shed skin, wax and lymph fluid that leaks out as a result of the cat's excessive scratching. The symptoms of ear mites are continual scratching, rubbing and shaking of the ears, and the cat's head may be held on one side. The presence of the mites is so irritating that the cat claws at its ears, causing bleeding and bare patches on the outside where the fur is rubbed off.

The inside of the ear flap may become wet and sticky, and there is a buildup of hard, brown wax, which, when examinee under a microscope, betrays the presence of the mites. A cat with any sign of ear irritation should be taken to a veterinary surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. The veterinary surgeon will examine the ear with the aid of an auroscope or otoscops and may obtain a sample of wax. Delay is likely to lead to a worsening of the situation, and there may be a secondary bacterial infection as a result of the scratching.

Treatment is by means of ear drops that contain chemicals designed to kill the mites. Some preparations combine with antibacterial drugs, agents for softening earwax and local anaesthetics. These combinations help to relieve the pain and irritation and deal with any secondary bacterial infection that may have gained access through the broken skin. Usually it is -necessary to continue the treatment for some time to make sure ħat all newly emerging mites are killed. In addition, both ears should be treated at the same time, even if the symptoms appear to be confined to one, and all dogs and cats in the household must be given simultaneous treatment as the mites are very contagious.

Ear mites are so intensely irritating that the cat will react very strongly to both the examination of its ears and the treatment. In some cases it may be necessary to sedate the animal or even to give a general anaesthetic. In order to carry out treatment at home, it is wise to wear gloves and to wrap up the cat firmly in an old blanket or towel, leaving its head free but making sure that the limbs are immobilized.