Cats do not often get an ear infection, but when it does happen the cause can be complex, and if the veterinarian excludes ear mites as the primary cause in
half of all cases of ear infection in cats, then he must do some tests to find out why cats have an external or middle ear infection, It can be an ear infection in cats
due to allergies, tumors, or perhaps something lodged in the ear canal, and cats should get appropriate treatment as soon as they notice signs of discomfort in the cat’s ear, as otitis media can become
chronic and lead to deafness and facial paralysis. In our article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of ear infection in cats, along with how to prevent infection.
Symptoms of otitis media in cats
Ear infection in cats causes pain, discomfort and sensitivity, so many cats shake their heads and scratch their ears in an attempt to remove dirt and fluid from the ear canal.
Ear mites cause several signs, including black discharge, scratching, and head shaking. However, ear mite infections generally occur in indoor and outdoor cats, and ear mites in adult cats frequently occur after a cat with ear mites is introduced into the home.
Sometimes, ear mites in cats will create an environment inside the ear canal that promotes the development of a secondary infection with bacteria or yeast.
By the time the cat is presented to the vet, the mites may be gone, but there is still a serious ear infection. Symptoms of an ear infection include:
When cats shake their heads or scratch at the ears, if the middle ear is affected, you may see neurological signs such as facial paralysis, and this occurs due to a deep inflammation that occurs inside the ear that affects the nerves in that area.
How is ear infection diagnosed in cats
The vet may examine the ear canal using an otoscope, an instrument that provides magnification and light.
This gives a good view of the ear canal and allows the vet to determine if the eardrum is healthy and if there is a tumor or foreign material in
the ear canal, and if there is a significant amount If this is the case, or if the ears are very painful and your cat refuses to allow an ear examination, general anesthesia may be necessary.
Your veterinarian may examine a sample of ear canal material under a microscope. Microscopic examination is necessary to select the appropriate medication to treat an inflamed ear canal.
Culture and sensitivity tests are often used in acute or chronic ear infections to ensure that cats receive the appropriate medication.
Treatment of ear infection in cats
Ear drops are the treatment that can be used to treat ear infection in cats, and these drops usually contain antibiotics, antifungal drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the sense of irritation
and make cats feel more comfortable, but they must continue to be used according to the directions of
the veterinarian, and when treating these Cat ear infections, it is important to start treating the main cause and not just the secondary bacteria and fungi.
If you do not do that, the infection is likely to recur, and this depends on the type of infection, and here the veterinarian prescribes tablets instead of ear drops.
You can eliminate ear mites using something like a liquid that is placed on the back of the neck of cats, and you can do this once a month, this process has the added benefit of killing fleas, and intestinal
worms as well, as for benign tumors you may need to remove them surgically If it causes constant irritation and inflammation for your cats, and you should know that allergies can be managed in several ways, if cats suffer from food allergies, you can control this by identifying.
the food that causes allergies in order to avoid it, but if allergies are present For dust or environmental conditions, cats are injected with a syringe that helps
them better tolerate allergens, and a third option is to give them medication such as antihistamines or cortisone to stop the allergy that occurs in their body.
Otitis media in cats is a serious condition that can cause important signs in cats, including drooling on the side of
the mouth, difficulty eating, inability to blink, and drooping eyelids, lips, and nose on the affected side. Treatment may include long-term medications if the cause can be identified.
An underlying infection, such as a bacterial or fungal infection, and less commonly, surgery may be required. Many cats respond to treatment and recover well.
Topical ear medications are necessary to treat most ear diseases in cats.
How to prevent ear infection in cats
Otitis media in cats is healthy and normal, and there is nothing you need to do on a regular basis to prevent ear disease. Especially if your cats enjoy a lot of time outdoors, they are more likely to come into contact with other cats and contract ear mites.
You suffer from allergies, the only way to prevent ear infections in cats is to always keep allergy symptoms completely under control, and you should not get
frustrated because despite your great efforts with your cats, they may still have occasional problems of ear infection that need to be addressed Veterinary care.