What is an ear tick in a dog, and what are its symptoms and treatment? - briefly
Ear ticks (commonly Otodectes cynotis) are parasitic arachnids that live in a dog’s ear canal, feeding on skin debris and ear wax. They cause itching, head shaking, and dark crusty discharge, and are treated by thorough ear cleaning followed by a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide.
What is an ear tick in a dog, and what are its symptoms and treatment? - in detail
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are microscopic arthropods that inhabit the external auditory canal of dogs. Adult females lay eggs on the skin surface; larvae hatch within 3‑4 days, mature to adults in about 2 weeks, and the cycle repeats continuously. Mites feed on ear wax and skin debris, causing irritation and inflammation.
Typical clinical signs include:
- Excessive scratching of the head or ears
- Frequent shaking of the head
- Dark, crumbly debris resembling coffee grounds in the ear canal
- Redness, swelling, or ulceration of the ear canal lining
- Foul odor emanating from the ears
- Secondary bacterial or fungal infection, indicated by pus or increased discharge
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of the ear canal with an otoscope or a dark‑field microscope. The characteristic debris contains live mites, eggs, and fecal pellets. Cytology of a swab can confirm the presence of the parasites and assess any concurrent infection.
Effective treatment follows a three‑step protocol:
- Topical acaricides – Apply a veterinarian‑approved ear medication (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin, or a macrocyclic lactone formulation) directly into the canal, following the recommended dosage schedule (often a single dose, repeated after 7‑10 days to kill newly hatched mites).
- Ear cleaning – Perform gentle lavage with a pH‑balanced ear cleanser to remove debris, improve medication penetration, and reduce inflammation. Use a soft cotton ball or gauze; avoid inserting objects deep into the canal.
- Control of secondary infections – If bacterial or fungal growth is evident, administer appropriate antimicrobial drops or systemic therapy based on culture results. Anti‑inflammatory agents may be added to alleviate pain and swelling.
Preventive measures include routine ear examinations, regular cleaning in predisposed breeds, and monthly prophylactic spot‑on treatments that contain acaricidal ingredients. Maintaining a dry, clean ear environment reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation and limits the risk of chronic otitis externa.