Ear mites are very common in
cats and dogs, and if not treated, infection can lead to damage of the ear
canal, possibly leading to hearing loss. They are tiny arachnid
parasites often identifiable by the brown discharge they leave
behind in the ear canal. All breeds, ages, and ear shapes are
susceptible to ear mite infestation. Good ear hygiene and
awareness are important in maintaining ear health and staying
ear mite free.
Commonly, ear mites will infect newborn puppies and kittens
from the mother. Mothers and their litters are often found
nuzzling with their face and ears very close; his contact is
all it takes for ear mites to find a new home. It is difficult
to see a new infestation on pups and kittens right away, but
generally become identifiable in a few weeks, due to the coffee
ground-like discharge. Eventually the animalโs ears look like
there are specs of dirt in the canal, but often upon further
investigation, the infestation is diagnosed. As ear mites are
extremely contagious and easily transferred by simple contact,
they are to blame for half of all ear infections in dogs and
cats.
How to Prevent Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats
Because ear mites feed on the waxy build-up inside the ear
canal of dogs and cats, keeping the ear canal clean is a great
way to prevent an infestation. Also, keep your pets from coming
into even casual contact with other animals known to have an
infestation. Of course, this isn't always possible, but
minimizing contact will maximize ear health.
Ear Mite Infestation Test Explained
Avoid the urge to diagnose your pet with ear mites, as there
are other issues that may appear to be ear mites. Make an
appointment with your veterinarian so that a swab test may be
performed. The vet will use a cotton swab to carefully obtain
material from the ear canal. A telescope is then used to
investigate the nature of the material, and diagnose the issue.
When your dog or cat has an ear mite infestation, some symptoms
include constant intense
scratching on and around the ear, hair loss, and inflammation. It is common
that the animal will drag the afflicted ear around on the
carpet or furniture, in an attempt to relieve the itching.
Brownish waxy secretion and the brown discharge can build up in
the ear canal causing full or partial blockage, resulting in
decreased hearing ability. Dogs and cats will scratch the area
and sometimes scabs form. The infestation may also result in an
unpleasant odor.
There are a few different approaches from which your
veterinarian can choose. Ear drops are commonly prescribed, and
sometimes recommended in addition to topical medications and
gentle cleaning. There are ear cleansers, such as Epi Otic that
can be used to remove debris from the canal.
In short, you can prevent ear mites are at-home, but you'll
want to treat ear mites with the help of your vet. Keep an eye
out for the symptoms of scratching and coffe-like discharge,
and your pet's ears will thank you.
Causes of Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats
As parasites, ear
mites live on the host animal, gaining sustenance from
dead skin cells and waxy buildup. There is not necessarily a
cause for ear mites to
appear in the animalโs ear canal, other than direct contact
with the ear mites. It could be from casually brushing heads
with another infested animal, or coming into contact with an
infested animalโs bedding. Ear mites are highly contagious,
which means they will jump from one animal to the next just by
quick contact. If the animal has particularly floppy ears, ear
mites can more easily be concealed, yet all breeds of dogs and
cats are susceptible to infestation. In fact, cats tend to
become infested more than dogs, often due to a multiple cat
home where hygiene may be lacking, and possibly poor husbandry.
The areas shared by multiple cats with ear mite infestations
need to be thoroughly rid of mites so that the infestation does
not reappear.
From Mother to Newborn
It is very common for ear mites to be transferred from a mother
to her newborn pups or kittens, because the instinctive bonding
relationship requires nuzzling faces and cleaning fur. It is
also common among larger groups of dogs and cats, because once
one has contracted the mites, the other exposed animals will
quickly develop an infestation. Outdoor animals have a higher
likelihood of contracting an ear mite infestation, but indoor
groups of animal typically spread the infestation quicker.
Why Mites Love Ears
While ear mites are easily transferred from pet to pet, the
infestation is caused by a positive parasitic environment for
breeding. The ear canal is a semi-protected warm moist spot,
with perfect conditions for mites to thrive. If the few mites
that jump from one host to another breed in the canal, the
infestation is imminent. Since the mites are nearly invisible
to the naked eye, it is difficult to catch the problem before
the infestation is in full swing.
Types of Ear Mites
There are four main kinds of infecting ear mites, Otodectes,
Notoedres, Sarcoptic mange and Demodex. Otodectes and Notoedres
are both tiny, and spider-like, and they live in or on the
skin, typically around the media canal. Demodex and Sarcoptic
Mange mites, however, cause infection of the external flap of
the ear, avoiding the ear canal. These mites bite and burrow
into the skin, causing intense skin irritation and
inflammation. A female mite, as young as three weeks old lays
her eggs, which then hatch after three of four days.
This information is for informational
purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the
professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your
veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been
verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
