How can ear mites in cats be treated? - briefly
Effective therapy involves a single application of a prescription acaricide such as selamectin, milbemycin oxime, or a lime‑sulfur ear dip, together with thorough cleaning of the ear canal. Follow‑up examinations confirm eradication and prevent reinfestation.
How can ear mites in cats be treated? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, infest the external auditory canal of felines, feeding on cerumen and epithelial debris. Infestation produces intense pruritus, dark brown discharge, and frequent head shaking.
Diagnosis relies on otoscopic examination and microscopic identification of live mites or characteristic ova in ear swabs. Cytological analysis confirms the presence of mites and rules out secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
Effective management combines pharmacological eradication, canal cleaning, and environmental control. Recommended interventions include:
- Topical acaricides – products containing selamectin, moxidectin, or milbemycin oxime applied directly to the ear canal according to label intervals; they immobilize and kill mites within 24 hours.
- Systemic medications – oral formulations of afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner achieve whole‑body coverage, eliminating mites in the ear and preventing re‑infestation from other body sites.
- Canal decontamination – gentle flushing with a veterinarian‑approved ear cleaner removes debris and improves drug contact; repeated cleaning for three consecutive days enhances efficacy.
- Environmental measures – washing bedding, toys, and grooming tools in hot water; vacuuming carpets and upholstery; treating cohabiting animals with the same protocol to interrupt the life cycle.
After initial treatment, re‑examination at 7–10 days confirms mite clearance. A second dose of the chosen acaricide, administered 2–3 weeks later, addresses any surviving ova. Preventive scheduling of monthly topical or oral ectoparasiticides maintains protection against future infestations.