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.