Ear Infections

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The page provides information and advice on ear infections effecting cats.

Symptoms

• shaking or tilting head
• scratching at ears
• smelly + painful ears
• redness + discharge at entrance to ear canal

Causes

• Infections; e.g. yeasts, bacteria, ear mites
• Allergies; e.g. atopy or food allergies
• Parasites; e.g. ear mites
• Foreign bodies; e.g. grass seeds
• Trauma
• Hormone abnormalities; e.g. hypothyroidism
• The ear environment; e.g. excess moisture, ear anatomy
• Hereditary or immune conditions and tumours

Diagnosis

• Sometimes infections can be diagnosed and treated by examination with an otoscope.
• Samples can be collected and sent away for analysis by an external laboratory to identify the bacteria involved and which antibiotic will control the infection.
• Blood testing may be performed to rule out systemic disease which may contribute to the ear disease.
• Radiographs or other specialist imaging (MRI, CT scan).

Treatment

This will depend on the cause;

• Topical ear drops; containing antibacterials, anti-fungals and anti-inflammatories.
• Oral medications; again anti-inflammatories, anti-bacterials and/or anti-fungals.
• Cleaning and flushing the ears; normally under sedation or general anaesthetic. This will also allow a more thorough examination.
• Regular cleaning; at home can help reduce further problems.
• Surgery; may become necessary in severe and chronic ear infections at the end-stage of disease. This tends to be a procedure only carried out when all other options have been tried and no longer control the problem.