What is ear mite in cats and dogs? - briefly
Ear mites are microscopic parasitic arachnids, primarily Otodectes cynotis, that colonize the external ear canal of cats and dogs, leading to irritation, inflammation, and a characteristic dark debris. They are highly contagious and spread through direct animal-to-animal contact.
What is ear mite in cats and dogs? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, are microscopic arthropods that colonize the external auditory canal of companion animals. The parasites feed on earwax and skin debris, causing inflammation and secondary infections. Both felines and canines are susceptible, although the prevalence is higher in cats due to their grooming habits.
The life cycle comprises egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. Eggs hatch within 3–4 days, and larvae develop into nymphs after another 3–4 days. Adults emerge in approximately 10 days and can reproduce continuously, laying up to 30 eggs per day. The entire cycle completes in about 3 weeks, allowing rapid population growth if untreated.
Typical clinical signs include:
- Dark, waxy discharge resembling coffee grounds
- Frequent scratching of the ears or head shaking
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Odor emanating from the affected ear
- Secondary bacterial or fungal infection in severe cases
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection and microscopic examination of ear debris. A light microscope reveals characteristic oval, crab‑like mites or their eggs.
Effective therapeutic options are:
- Topical acaricides (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin, ivermectin formulations) applied directly into the ear canal.
- Systemic medications (e.g., milbemycin oxime) that eliminate mites throughout the body.
- Cleaning the ear with a veterinarian‑approved solution to remove debris before medication.
- Re‑treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate newly hatched mites and prevent reinfestation.
Prevention strategies focus on hygiene and environmental control:
- Regular ear cleaning with appropriate solutions, especially for breeds prone to ear disease.
- Routine veterinary examinations that include ear assessments.
- Isolation and treatment of newly introduced animals before integration.
- Laundering bedding, toys, and grooming tools at high temperatures to destroy residual eggs and larvae.
Complications may involve chronic otitis externa, perforated eardrum, and hearing loss if inflammation persists. Prompt recognition and adherence to treatment protocols minimize these risks and restore ear health in both cats and dogs.