Which medications can be dropped for ear ticks? - briefly
Effective topical agents such as selamectin, moxidectin, or milbemycin otic solutions treat ear mite infestations, while oral antibiotics are unnecessary unless a secondary bacterial infection is proven. Corticosteroid ear drops should be avoided because they reduce inflammation without eradicating the parasites.
Which medications can be dropped for ear ticks? - in detail
Ear mite infestations require a defined treatment period; once the parasites are eliminated, the associated drugs may be stopped. The decision to discontinue each product depends on its mechanism, dosage schedule, and clinical response.
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Ivermectin (oral or injectable) – administered weekly at 0.2–0.4 mg/kg for three consecutive weeks. Discontinue after the third dose if otoscopic examination shows no live mites and the ear canal is clear.
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Milbemycin oxime (oral) – given at 0.5 mg/kg every 30 days for two to three months. Stop after the final dose when a follow‑up ear swab is negative for mites.
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Selamectin (topical spot‑on) – applied to the skin at 6 mg/kg once a month for three months. Cease applications after the third month if the ear canal remains free of debris and inflammation.
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Moxidectin (oral or injectable) – given as a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg or a monthly injection for two months. End treatment after the second dose provided the ear exam is normal.
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Amitraz (topical ear solution) – applied weekly for three weeks. Stop after the third application if the otoscopic view shows no moving mites and ear wax is reduced.
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Lime sulfur dip – performed every 5–7 days for three to four treatments. Discontinue once the ear canal appears clean and the animal shows no scratching or head shaking.
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Pyrethrin‑based ear drops – used twice weekly for two weeks. End therapy when the ear canal is dry and free of crusts.
Supportive medications such as anti‑inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or ear cleansers are maintained only until inflammation resolves and secondary infection is ruled out. When clinical signs (pruritus, head shaking, discharge) disappear and diagnostic testing confirms the absence of mites, these adjunctive agents may be withdrawn.
Regular re‑evaluation, ideally at two‑week intervals during therapy, confirms eradication. A final otoscopic examination and, if available, a microscopic ear swab should be performed before stopping any anti‑mite medication. Absence of live mites on both assessments validates cessation of treatment.