|
|
|
 |
Cats Symptoms Cure |
 |
| |
|
Symptoms Cats
> Ear Infection
|
|
|
Ears external ear inflammation (Otitis Externa)
Otitis externa is a term used to describe an inflammation of the
external ear (outside of the eardrum). It has many causes, but the signs are
usually the same. Head shaking and scratching at the ears are probably
the most common. In some cases the cat will tilt the head slightly toward
the side of the irritated ear; touching the ear may cause signs of pain.
Large amounts of waxy discharge are often present; in severe cases there
may be actual pus. The inside of the pinna is sometimes abnormally pink,
and there may be swelling. (See Anatomy, if you are not familiar with a
normal cat ear.) The normal smell of a healthy cat ear becomes fetid as the
inflammation gets worse.
Ear mites often cause Otitis
The most common cause of otitis externa of cats is probably ear
mites. If you cannot be sure that ear inflammation in your cat is caused by
mites or if you are not sure you can treat the problem at home, enlist the
aid of a veterinarian. Ear inflammation not treated promptly and vigorously
can result in ear conditions that could have been easily cured at first but
are now difficult or impossible to treat successfully, and the infection can
progress to include the middle and inner ear. If you are unable to obtain the
services of a veterinarian and don’t think the ear problem is caused by ear
mites or a foreign object in the ear (rare in cats) and choose to attempt
home treatment, try using 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), 10%
povidone-iodine solution, or 0.5% chlorhexidine solution. First clean out the
affected ear. Then twice a day, after a more minor ear cleaning, instill
several drops of the disinfectant into the ear canal and massage the base
of the ear to spread the medication all the way down the canal. If you see
improvement within three or four days continue treatment for two weeks. If
there is no improvement or if the treatment seems too irritating to your
cat’s ear, be sure to seek professional help, since there is risk of
permanent damage to the middle ear if home care is inappropriate.
Yeast infections are found in cats
A yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis, is found in as many as one-third
of cat ear infections. Signs of discomfort that may range from mild to
severe are often associated with a brown, waxy discharge when excessive
numbers of these organisms are present. Usually an increase in ear
scratching is seen. This yeast thrives in a warm, moist environment. A
microscopic examination of debris associated with this type of ear
inflammation is needed to be sure the yeast is present and significant.
Ears that are kept clean, dry, and slightly acid in pH are less likely to
develop excessive numbers of yeast; so predisposed cats often need a
routine of home ear care to prevent repetitive problems. Commercial
products containing alcohol and boric acid, instilled into the ears once or
twice a week, can prevent yeast-associated otitis externa. Home remedies
for prevention are white vinegar (5% acetic acid) diluted 1:1 with water or
70% isopropyl alcohol instilled once or twice a week and after bathing.
The skin of cats’ ears may be damaged by sun exposure. For more
information see Feline Solar Dermatitis.
Ear Swellings
Swellings on cats’ ears are usually abscesses. In a few cases they are
hematomas (accumulations of blood under the skin) caused by trauma to
the ear—such as excessive ear scratching and head shaking
accompanying untreated otitis externa, or by fights. If there is no fever and
the swelling is not draining, an abscess may be indistinguishable from a
hematoma without examination of the contents by a veterinarian.
Hematomas must be treated surgically by drainage and suturing to prevent
deformity of the ear. Untreated hematomas often result in folding of the
pinna. If deformity is of no concern to you, you can allow a hematoma to
heal on its own. Just be sure underlying problems such as ear infection are
corrected.
| |
| | | | |
|
 |
|
 | | |
