What is the ear mite called in animals? - briefly
The ear mite that commonly infests dogs, cats, rabbits and other mammals is Otodectes cynotis. It lives in the external auditory canal, where it induces inflammation and waxy debris.
What is the ear mite called in animals? - in detail
The parasite that infests the external auditory canal of many mammals is Otodectes cynotis, commonly referred to as the ear mite. It belongs to the order Sarcoptiformes and is a highly specialized arachnid adapted to live in moist, keratin‑rich environments.
Host range
- Domestic cats (Felis catus) – primary reservoir
- Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) – occasional host, especially in multi‑pet households
- Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – frequent in breeding colonies
- Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) – sporadic infestations reported
- Wild carnivores (foxes, raccoons, coyotes) – serve as natural carriers
Life cycle
- Adult female deposits eggs onto the ear canal surface.
- Eggs hatch within 3–4 days, releasing six-legged larvae.
- Larvae develop into eight-legged protonymphs after 2–3 days.
- Protonymphs molt into deutonymphs within another 3–4 days.
- Deutonymphs mature into reproductive adults after 5–7 days.
The complete cycle spans approximately 2–3 weeks, allowing rapid population expansion under favorable conditions.
Clinical manifestations
- Intense pruritus leading to frequent head shaking
- Dark, waxy cerumen mixed with blood and debris
- Inflammation of the ear canal, possible secondary bacterial infection
- Hair loss around the pinna due to self‑trauma
Diagnostic methods
- Direct otoscopic examination revealing moving, translucent mites
- Microscopic evaluation of ear swab material after clearing with potassium hydroxide solution
Therapeutic options
- Topical acaricides (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin, ivermectin formulations) applied according to label dosage
- Systemic treatments (e.g., oral milbemycin oxime) for extensive infestations
- Thorough cleaning of the ear canal with a mild antiseptic solution prior to medication
- Environmental decontamination: washing bedding, toys, and grooming tools at high temperature
Prevention strategies
- Regular ear inspections in multi‑animal households
- Routine prophylactic administration of ectoparasitic preventatives
- Isolation of newly introduced animals for a minimum of 30 days with monitoring for signs
Understanding the biology and host specificity of Otodectes cynotis enables accurate identification, effective treatment, and reliable control of this common ear parasite across a variety of domestic and wild species.