Ear mites in cats are fairly common in the United States. They can be very unpleasant for your cat, and, at times, dangerous.
If left untreated, they can lead to secondary yeast and bacterial infections. Some cats seem to develop immunity to mites over time, so younger cats are more likely to to be afflicted. Cats with compromised immune systems are likewise at higher risk.
What are they? -- Mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. They are tiny crab-like parasites that typically live in and around a cat's ears, and also on the head. In more extreme cases, they can cause a rupture of the ear drum, and may lead to deafness and even seizures.
Some cats are very sensitive to mite infestations and others don't seem to be disturbed by it much. Younger cats are typically more bothered than older cats.
What are the symptoms? -- The most common symptoms of ear mites in cats are frequent scratching of the ears, and head shaking due to irritation of the ear canal. The obvious sign is a build up of dry, black wax that often resembles coffee grounds.
Some cats may experience hair loss around the ears. As can happen with parasite infestation, secondary bacterial infection is not uncommon. In addition, the waxy build up may cause extra irritation in the ear.
In more severe cases, excessive scratching may tear into the skin at the back of the ear, which may lead to permanent scarring.
Treatment -- Treating ear mites in cats begins with cleaning out the cat's ears. This should be done only by a veterinarian, as damage to the ear could result if it is done improperly.
Mineral oil may be used to soften the wax. Flushing out the ears removes a large number of mites and dislodges the wax at the same time.
After the ears are cleaned, an ear mite treatment can be administered. Flea control medication is often used to prevent a recurrence of infestation by any mites that have migrated to some place other than the ear. Over-the-counter remedies will typically take longer to work than the ear mite treatment preparations from your veterinarian.
Ear mites in cats can also be spread to other animals in the house, including people. Physical contact with affected cats, therefore, should be limited. This is a very treatable condition, although treatment may take quite some time in more severe cases, and your veterinarian may administer "off-label" drugs.
If left untreated, they can lead to secondary yeast and bacterial infections. Some cats seem to develop immunity to mites over time, so younger cats are more likely to to be afflicted. Cats with compromised immune systems are likewise at higher risk.
What are they? -- Mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. They are tiny crab-like parasites that typically live in and around a cat's ears, and also on the head. In more extreme cases, they can cause a rupture of the ear drum, and may lead to deafness and even seizures.
Some cats are very sensitive to mite infestations and others don't seem to be disturbed by it much. Younger cats are typically more bothered than older cats.
What are the symptoms? -- The most common symptoms of ear mites in cats are frequent scratching of the ears, and head shaking due to irritation of the ear canal. The obvious sign is a build up of dry, black wax that often resembles coffee grounds.
Some cats may experience hair loss around the ears. As can happen with parasite infestation, secondary bacterial infection is not uncommon. In addition, the waxy build up may cause extra irritation in the ear.
In more severe cases, excessive scratching may tear into the skin at the back of the ear, which may lead to permanent scarring.
Treatment -- Treating ear mites in cats begins with cleaning out the cat's ears. This should be done only by a veterinarian, as damage to the ear could result if it is done improperly.
Mineral oil may be used to soften the wax. Flushing out the ears removes a large number of mites and dislodges the wax at the same time.
After the ears are cleaned, an ear mite treatment can be administered. Flea control medication is often used to prevent a recurrence of infestation by any mites that have migrated to some place other than the ear. Over-the-counter remedies will typically take longer to work than the ear mite treatment preparations from your veterinarian.
Ear mites in cats can also be spread to other animals in the house, including people. Physical contact with affected cats, therefore, should be limited. This is a very treatable condition, although treatment may take quite some time in more severe cases, and your veterinarian may administer "off-label" drugs.
About the Author:
Author Kurt Schmitt has created an online resource for cat lovers including information on cat health and ear mites in cats
No comments:
Post a Comment