Cat ear infection symptoms&causes
The ear's inner lining is normally smooth, with only a small amount of wax buildup. Ears that are irritated, inflamed, and/or infected can be caused by a variety of issues. If left untreated, any of these causes can lead to more serious issues, such as middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Scratching, shaking, and/or tilting their heads are common ways for cats to express their dissatisfaction with their ears.
CAUSES:
Adult cats and puppies with ear problems are most likely to have ear mites. The hairs on the body of these microscopic mites irritate the ears. They're also to blame for the itch and the dark brown, coffee-like residue on your skin.
Mites prefer to live in the ear canal. They can live outside of the ear and on other parts of the cat's body; however, they will not infest your home.
* Foreign objects, such as plant seeds, or over-aggressive cleaning, can cause ear trauma, resulting in pain and inflammation.
* Flea allergies can sometimes affect the ears.
* Pollen, mold, and dust allergies are uncommon in the ears. Allergy-related ear infections frequently recur until the underlying cause of the allergy is identified and treated.
SYMPTOMS:
* Scratch your ears frequently.
* Tilt or shake your head.
* There is an odor and/or a discharge from the ears.
WHAT YOUR VETERINARY CARE PROVIDER CAN DO:
* A sample of ear discharge is examined under a microscope for diagnosis. This is known as Cytology, and it will help you figure out what's wrong. The most effective treatment will be determined by the presence of mites, yeast, or bacteria.
* Ear mites can live on your cat's body in places other than the ear. Flea control products can aid in the management of this issue.
* Instead of using eardrops to treat mite infections, you can now purchase Revolution (selamectin), a new topical treatment for cats and dogs that controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms, and ear mites. Revolution (selamectin) is applied to the skin at 30-day intervals and controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms, and ear mites.
* Check your cat's ears regularly to avoid ear problems. To clean your cat's ears, only use products recommended by your veterinarian, and never go deeper than you can see.
* Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections may necessitate a culture to determine the exact agent responsible for the infection and the best medication to treat it.
NOTE: An otoscope is a device that allows complete visualization of the ear canal and is illuminated.
THE EAR'S HEMATOMA (BLOOD CLOT)
* Hematomas are most commonly caused by self-inflicted ear trauma. Because of an underlying ear mite problem, many cats scratch their ears a lot. A blood vessel in the earflap ruptures, resulting in earflap tissue bleeding. Surgical intervention is usually required.
Under anesthesia, blood clots are removed and blood is drained. Because the cats continue to traumatize their ears by scratching, hematomas tend to recur until the underlying problem is resolved. Many ears become abnormally shaped as a result of scarring.
TREATMENT:
Sentinel, a monthly tablet used to prevent heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, and ear mites in cats, contains the active ingredient milbemycin. Revolution, a monthly product for cats that kills ear mites and walking dandruff mites while also preventing heartworms and fleas, contains the active ingredient selamectin. Ear drops have been replaced by new monthly flea preventative products to treat ear mites.
ADDITIONAL EAR TREATMENTS:
Yeast Infections: A good yeast ear cleaning solution is equal parts white vinegar and water (50:50).
Bacterial Ear Infections: Garlic should only be added to the diet on rare occasions, as excessive amounts can cause anemia:
Garlic is antibacterial as well as antifungal.
HERBAL EAR REMEDIES
Mullein is a plant that grows in the Mullein family (Verbascum thapsus)
* Sapenins or mucilage has a demulcent effect.
* For bacterial ear infections, apply topically.
* One teaspoon of Calendula, 12 teaspoon sea salt, and one cup of water make an effective ear cleaning solution.
* Calendula Oil can be used to treat red, inflamed ears. Once a day, put two drops in your ears.
* Apply two drops of Yellow Dock (Rumex Crispus) every third day for three to six weeks to get rid of ear mites.
EAR REMEDIES WITH HOMEOPATHIC INGREDIENTS:
Pulsatilla (6c Windflower) one pellet every third day for two weeks for red, irritated ears. Ten minutes before and after treatment, don't eat anything. Two whole or three crushed Sepia Officinalis (30C) pellets by mouth twice a day for three days, then once a week until the ears are healed. It helps with itchiness and trembling in the head.
DISEASE OF THE VESTIBULAR (MIDDLE EAR):
Ear infections that are long-term and/or recurrent can spread to the middle ear. Vestibular nerves are located in the middle ear and are responsible for balance and equilibrium. Cats can lose their balance, tilt their heads, stagger, and fall over if these nerves are irritated. Vestibular Disease is the name for this condition. Some cases are linked to ear infections, and in rare cases, brain tumors, but in the majority of cases, the cause is unknown or idiopathic. In these cases, the term "idiopathic vestibular disease" is used.
DIAGNOSIS:
The middle ear is first evaluated with X-rays. The Tympanic bulla is a bone located within the brain that houses the middle ear. A "Bulla Series" is the name given to a set of x-rays taken in this case. If the x-rays are inconclusive, a more sensitive imaging technique such as a CAT scan or an MRI may be required to visualize this area of the brain.
The majority of cases of Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome occur in the spring and fall for an unknown reason. Cats start stumbling and tilting their heads for no apparent reason. Cats usually get better within 72 hours, and the symptoms go away after a few weeks.
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