What does a cat’s ear look like with mites? - briefly
The ear is swollen and reddened, with a dark, waxy crust that may contain tiny moving specks. The canal often smells strongly and feels gritty from the infestation.
What does a cat’s ear look like with mites? - in detail
A feline ear infested with ear mites presents a distinct set of visual clues. The outer pinna often appears reddened, with the skin stretched tight over inflamed tissue. Within the ear canal, a thick, dark brown to black debris accumulates; this material resembles coffee grounds and consists of mite bodies, eggs, and dried secretions. The debris adheres to the canal walls, creating a gritty texture that can be felt when the ear is examined.
Key characteristics include:
- Inflammation: Swelling of the ear canal lining, making the ear feel warm to the touch.
- Excessive cerumen: Production of waxy secretions that become mixed with mite waste, resulting in a crusty plug.
- Odor: A musty, unpleasant smell arising from bacterial overgrowth secondary to the infestation.
- Scratching and head shaking: Behavioral signs indicating discomfort, though not visual, they often accompany the described lesions.
The progression of the condition can be divided into stages:
- Early stage: Light reddening of the pinna, minimal debris, occasional itching.
- Moderate stage: Noticeable dark crust covering most of the canal, increased swelling, frequent head shaking.
- Severe stage: Canal nearly occluded by thick debris, intense erythema, secondary bacterial infection, possible ulceration of the skin.
The primary parasite responsible is Otodectes cynotis. Its life cycle occurs entirely within the ear, completing in approximately three weeks. Adult mites are microscopic, oval‑shaped, and move actively through the wax, feeding on skin debris and secretions. Eggs are laid on the canal surface and hatch within a few days, perpetuating the infestation.
Diagnostic confirmation relies on microscopic examination of a sample of the dark material. Under the microscope, live mites, oval eggs, and fecal pellets are readily identifiable. The presence of these elements, coupled with the described external signs, provides a definitive diagnosis.
Effective management requires thorough cleaning of the ear canal to remove crusted debris, followed by a topical acaricide administered according to veterinary guidelines. Re‑examination after treatment confirms eradication; persistent debris or renewed itching suggests incomplete clearance or secondary infection.