Treat Ear Mites Immediately
Ear mites (Otodectes cyanotis) are small parasites that can infest the ear canals of both dogs and cats. These mites cause severe itching which can lead to self-trauma of the ear flaps. In most cases, this is due to an allergic reaction to the mites. Affected ears usually have brown or black, crusty debris in the ear canals. Sometimes the skin around the ears is crusty, red and scaly. The mites are easily passed on from one pet to another through direct contact. Puppies and kittens are the most common age group affected by ear mites however, they can affect pets of any age. The mites do not infest humans.
A diagnosis is usually made by examination of the ear debris under a microscope. Sometimes during an ear exam with an otoscope, the parasite can be seen moving around in the ear canal.
Treatment of an ear mite infestation involves applying medication either into the ear canals or administration of topical medication onto the pet’s skin. All infested animals and in-contact animals need to be treated. A thorough cleanup of the pet's environment is also recommended.
It is important to discuss the most up-to-date treatment options with your veterinarian rather than relying on over-the-counter remedies. A follow-up examination will be booked with your veterinary health care team to make sure that the treatment has completely cleared the parasites.
--Dr. Hinson
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Dr. Hinson is a mixed animal veterinarian in Tampa, FL and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
Maly@Dog Ear Infection on January 10, 2009 at 11:44 PM
It is indeed important to treat ear mite infection thoroughly.
Many over-the-counter products for ear mites consist of insecticide in an oily base. If the ear is already sore and inflamed due to bacteria and yeast infection, the insecticide oily base treatment would be inadequate.
You need a remedy that can kill the mites, the mite eggs, treat the bacteria and fungal infections, and also reduce the inflammation of the ear.
joesen on December 29, 2010 at 10:33 PM
A diagnosis is usually made by examination of the ear debris under a microscope. Sometimes during an ear exam with an otoscope, the parasite can be seen moving around in the ear canal.