How can ear mites be seen in cats? - briefly
Ear mites manifest as tiny, dark, moving particles that resemble grains of sand within the earwax. They are identified by inspecting the ear with an otoscope or by pulling back the pinna to reveal visible mites in the cerumen.
How can ear mites be seen in cats? - in detail
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) manifest primarily in the external ear canal of felines. Visual identification begins with a systematic otoscopic examination. The veterinarian or trained caregiver inserts a handheld otoscope, equipped with a light source and magnification, into the ear opening. Under illumination, the canal appears darkened by cerumen; the presence of motile, translucent organisms confirms infestation.
Typical visual cues include:
- Small, white to grayish specks resembling rice grains, often clustered at the base of the ear canal.
- Dark, waxy debris mixed with blood, giving the cerumen a brownish hue.
- Visible movement of mites when the ear is gently manipulated.
If an otoscope is unavailable, a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass can reveal the same elements, though resolution may be lower. Swabbing the ear with a sterile cotton tip allows collection of debris for microscopic analysis. A wet mount prepared with saline or iodine stain will display the mites’ characteristic elongated bodies and four pairs of legs.
Diagnostic workflow:
- Conduct a physical inspection of both ears for erythema, swelling, and odor.
- Perform otoscopic evaluation; record any observed mites or abnormal debris.
- Collect a sample of ear crust using a cotton swab.
- Prepare a wet mount slide; examine under a light microscope at 10–40× magnification.
- Identify mites by morphology: elongated, oval shape, dorsal shield, and visible legs.
Confirmation of these findings enables prompt treatment with topical acaricides or systemic medications. Regular ear checks, especially in multi‑cat households, help detect infestations early and prevent secondary infections.