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Ear Mites
By peace | May 22, 2006
Ear mites, (Otodectes cynotis) is the most common ear mite of cats but can be a problem for dogs. It usually lives in the ears and on the head of affected cats or dogs but it can sometimes live on the body of the cat or dog. It is contagious and the presence of the mites can cause severe inflammation in affected cat or dog’s ears.
Ear mites are not the only cause of ear disease in cats and dogs. Your pet should be examined to determine if ear mites are present prior to treatment. Whenever treatment for this condition is not working well other causes of ear disease should be considered.
In the past it was felt that ear mites did not live well off the pet but they may be better at surviving in the environment than we thought. In order to eliminate ear mites it is important to treat your cat’s or dog’s ears, the haircoat and the pet’s environment for the mites. There are a number of approved medications for ear mites. Flea control products that kill adult fleas will kill mites. These may be used to treat the haircoat and the house, according to the product directions. In particularly stubborn cases, the use of ivermectin, an experimental drug in cats, may be justified.
There are several types of mites that can invade the ear canals of dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. The same mite can affect both dogs and cats. In the puppy and kitten, the most common ear mite is Otodectes cynotis. It is not important in the diagnosis and treatment of ear mites to identify the exact scientific type of mite. Regardless of the exact mite species involved, we usually refer to mites of the ear canal simply as ear mites. Contrary to popular belief, however, is the fact that ear mites can live anywhere on the animal’s body.
How are the mites transmitted?
Ear mites are extremely contagious. They can be passed from the mother animal to her offspring. Additionally, the mites are easily spread to other pets within the household including cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets, etc. Humans are not affected.
Ear mites are very common, but still serious. Left untreated, they severely damage the ear canals and eardrum and can cause permanent hearing loss.
If mites spread out of the ears to other areas of the body, the animal may or may not scratch the area.
What is the management?
Various commercial ear preparations are available to kill the mites. These products contain an insecticide, usually pyrethrin. Ear products without an insecticide will not kill the mites. Ivermectin, fipronil(Frontline) and selamectin(Revolution) have also been used by some veterinarians. Milbemycin (Interceptor) and Acarexx, a form of ivermectin have recently been approved for the treatment of ear mites in cats.) Depending upon the medication used, the ears ma
y need to be treated two to four weeks until all mites are killed.
As previously mentioned, many ear mites live all over the body, including the feet and tail. These areas should also be treated. Most products designed for fleas and ticks such as sprays, dips, and shampoos, which contain one of the above ingredients will be effective. Be sure to use products appro
ved for use on dogs, and to treat the tail. This is because while sleeping, the tail is curled around the puppy’s body where it lies in close contact with the ear. Because mites are very easily transferred between pets, it is best if all pets in the household receive simultaneous treatment. Most types of mites do not survive long off the pets, so the treatment of the house and yard is usually not necessary.
Can I get ear mites from my pet?
Ear mites are not considered to be a zoonotic disease (disease which can be transmitted from animals to humans).
Dietary Plan If your pet has ear mites, your veterinarian may suggest a dietary change based on your pet’s age and body condition, the degree of infestation and tissue damage, and the presence or absence of disease in other organs and body systems. If your pet has traumatized its ear, your veterinarian may give you special feeding instructions. Traumatized patients may benefit from foods with increased levels of protein and energy during the recovery process. After your pet’s recovery is complete, your veterinarian may recommend another dietary change. Nutrition is especially important for maximum growth and proper development of the immune, or protective, system in puppies and kittens, such as those presented with ear mites.. Optimal nutrition should also reduce the health risks associated with feeding excess levels of nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which could cause skeletal problems, and excess calories, which could cause obesity.
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