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Name
Ear Infections, Feline
Short Description
Otitis
Affected Animals: Any animal can suffer from otitis.
Overview:
From ear mites to cancer, a diverse array of
medical conditions can cause cats to develop ear infections.
Allergies, the formation of a polyp or tissue growth in the middle
ear, trauma to the ear from scratching, bacteria, yeast, and many
diseases all can lead to otitis, or inflammation of the ear canal.
Cats frequently will shake their heads and scratch their ears when
they have otitis because of discomfort and irritation. Generally,
medications are successful at treating most cases of otitis, but if
allergies or other complicating underlying conditions are causing
the inflammation, additional measures may need to be taken to
eliminate the problem.
The veterinarian will need to examine the outside of the ears, as
well as the ear canal and tympanic membrane or eardrum to see if
there are any abnormalities. Sometimes sedation or general
anesthesia will be needed to allow the ears to be examined and
cleaned thoroughly and to perform diagnostic tests.
Clinical Signs: Most cats that have problems with their ears will
shake their heads, scratch the ears, and rub their heads on
surfaces. The ears may have an odor to them. Sometimes the ear can
develop an aural hematoma, or a swelling on the earflap that is soft
and warm to the touch, which results from repeated scratching and
shaking.
Symptoms:
See clinical signs.
Description: Clinically known as otitis, an ear
infection is a broad term describing inflammation of the ear, which
can have many causes. Otitis can involve the outer, middle, or inner
part of the ear. Generally, otitis that involves the inner part of
the ear is more severe and can result in permanent hearing loss and
difficulty maintaining balance and coordination. Some examples of
conditions that can cause otitis include ear mites, the formation of
a polyp or tissue growth in the middle ear, trauma from scratching,
allergies, bacteria, yeast called Malassezia pachydermatis, and
cancer.
Any inflammation or infection can cause cats to experience
discomfort and irritation. Medications are available that treat
otitis; they vary according to the underlying condition causing the
infection.
Diagnosis: After obtaining a thorough medical
history from the owner about the cat's symptoms, environment, and
history of illness, the veterinarian will perform a complete
physical exam, using an otoscope to examine the ears and their
canals. Some cats may need to be sedated so that their ears can be
examined properly.
Other tests that may be performed include cytology, in which the
veterinarian takes a swab from the ears and examines this material
under the microscope for abnormalities such as ear mites, yeast, and
bacteria. This test provides the veterinarian with a tremendous
amount of information about the condition of the cat's ears. If the
cytology reveals evidence of a severe bacterial infection, a culture
may be necessary to identify the type of bacteria and the
appropriate antibiotics that can be prescribed.
Prognosis: With the proper diagnosis, cleaning and
treatment, most cases of ear infections will resolve in seven to 14
days, depending on the underlying cause. Some cats that have
allergies and develop otitis may experience recurrences; it is
important that the sources of the allergy be determined so that
owners can prevent the cat's exposure to them. The veterinarian will
be able to determine the cause of the otitis and make appropriate
recommendations.
Transmission or Cause: There are several causes of otitis in cats. One
of the more common causes is ear mites called Otodectes cynotis,
which are transmitted from one animal to another through close
contact. Dogs and cats can transmit ear mites to one another. The
mites that live in the ears cause significant irritation that leads
to the production of a dark, brown, waxy material called cerumen.
Other causes of otitis include allergies to topical medications, to
certain foods, and to particles or allergens in the air such as tree
pollen and house dust. Cats also can develop otitis when the normal
yeast in the ear called Malassezia pachydermatis overgrows and
causes a yeast infection. Bacterial overgrowth in the ears also can
cause infections. Many more causes of otitis exist, so it is
important that a veterinarian examine the cat thoroughly.
Treatment:
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. However,
before determining which medication should be used to treat the
infection, the veterinarian will assess the eardrum to ensure that
it is intact, since certain medications should not be used if the
eardrum is ruptured or destroyed.
After diagnosis of the otitis, the veterinarian will perform a
thorough cleaning of the ears and evaluate the eardrum to see if it
is intact. Some cats will need sedation or general anesthesia before
the examination and cleaning can be done, since most cats will have
great sensitivity in their ears and will not allow their ears to be
handled or examined.
Owners who clean the cat's ears at home should never use cotton
tipped applicators because these can do more harm than good. The use
of warm, sterile saline can be used instead to gently flush and
clean out the ears. The veterinarian will be able to describe a
proper cleaning regime that is best for the individual cat's
situation.
Prevention: With the proper diagnosis, cleaning and
treatment, most cases of ear infections will resolve in seven to 14
days, depending on the underlying cause. Some cats that have
allergies and develop otitis may experience recurrences; it is
important that the sources of the allergy be determined so that
owners can prevent the cat's exposure to them. The veterinarian will
be able to determine the cause of the otitis and make appropriate
recommendations.
