How can I tell if a cat has an ear mite or otitis? - briefly
Ear mites cause dark, crumbly debris and severe itching, whereas otitis is characterized by foul odor, swelling, and fluid that may be yellow or bloody. A veterinary examination with otoscopic inspection and microscopic analysis of ear swabs confirms the condition.
How can I tell if a cat has an ear mite or otitis? - in detail
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) and otitis externa present with overlapping symptoms, but several clinical clues allow reliable differentiation.
Typical signs of a mite infestation include:
- Dark, crumbly debris resembling coffee grounds in the ear canal.
- Intense scratching or head shaking, often unilateral at first.
- Visible tiny moving organisms or eggs when the ear is examined with a otoscope.
- Absence of severe inflammation; the skin may appear mildly reddened but not ulcerated.
Otitis externa, whether bacterial, fungal, or allergic, usually displays:
- Thick, yellow‑to‑green discharge that may be odorous.
- Marked erythema, swelling, and sometimes ulceration of the ear canal.
- Pain on palpation; the cat may vocalize or become aggressive when the ear is handled.
- Possible secondary debris that is waxy rather than gritty.
Diagnostic approach:
- Visual inspection with an otoscope; mites are motile, while otitis shows inflamed tissue and purulent exudate.
- Cytological examination of ear swabs; microscopic evaluation reveals mites, eggs, or larvae in mite cases, and neutrophils, bacteria, or yeast in otitis.
- Culture or PCR testing if bacterial or fungal infection is suspected.
Treatment considerations:
- Mite eradication requires topical acaricides (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin) applied according to label instructions, often repeated for several weeks to eliminate life stages.
- Otitis management involves cleaning the ear canal, applying appropriate antimicrobial or antifungal ear drops, and addressing underlying allergies or foreign bodies.
- Pain relief and anti‑inflammatory medication improve comfort during therapy.
Regular follow‑up examinations confirm resolution; persistent debris or inflammation warrants repeat cytology to rule out secondary infection or incomplete mite control.