The microscopic parasites that can infest the ear canals of cats and dogs are called ear mites. An ear mite infestation is also called canker ear. Ear mites and infestations are highly contagious and can spread among the cats and dogs in the household.
Dogs and cats are not the only pets that can develop ear mite infestations. Rabbits are also prone to ear mites. All pets in the household should be treated for ear mites if one pet gets an ear mite infestation. Otherwise, the ear my infestation can circulate among all the pets in the household that are susceptible to ear mite infections.
Ear mites live in the ear canal of the dog or cat, but ear mites can also be present in the pet's environment. This can make all the cats and dogs in the household at risk of it here my infestation if one pet has ear mites.
Dogs and cats with ear mites will often scratch their ears and shake their heads. Many cats do not show any signs of an ear mite infestation, but the cat owner may notice black or dark brown discharge in the cat's ears.
Ear mites can be diagnosed by a veterinarian by the characteristics of the discharge from the infected ear. The ear discharge caused by ear mites is often described as resembling coffee grounds. The ear mites themselves are microscopic and burrow into the skin inside the pet's ear, so they cannot be easily seen.
Many dog and cat owners mistakenly think that cleaning the dogs or cats ears is an effective treatment for ear mites. An anti-parasitic medication is necessary for treating ear mites. The topical, antiparasitic medication treats the current ear mite infection and helps to prevent a recurrence of the ear mite infestation.
After the medication has been administered for the prescribed amount of time which is usually seven to ten days, the veterinarian may want to examine the pet to ensure that the ear mites have been successfully eradicated. Many veterinarians schedule another examination a few weeks after treatment to check for re-infestation.
Any minor cuts on the ears due to scratching may be treated with an antibiotic ointment. The veterinarian may also thoroughly clean the discharge from the cat's or dog's ears.
Having ear mites can lead to skin disease and ear infections. Extreme cases of ear mite infestation can cause complications such as a ruptured eardrum.
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