Many owners of cats believe that various parasites, including ear mites, affect stray and not very well-groomed animals, and they are not terrible for a pet. But it is not so. Of course, they are less exposed to such a danger, but its complete absence cannot be guaranteed. Ear flares cause a disease in cats called otodectosis. It is quite difficult to detect this parasite on its own, because its size does not exceed 0.75 mm and you can see it under a microscope or through a magnifier with a very large increase.
If an ear tick is detected in cats, treatment should be started immediately. This disease in itself does not pose a particular danger, but can cause serious complications. The most common of these is otitis media and the cat or cat may be deaf. In some fairly rare cases, inflammation spreads to the lining of the brain and meningitis occurs, which often leads to the death of the animal. In case of infection with an ear tick, the cat shakes its head and constantly scratches its ears, which often leads to severe skin damage. The behavior of the animal also changes - it becomes very restless, nervous, sometimes even seizures can be observed. Often the temperature rises, and seals of the lymph nodes appear, which are located under the jaw. Liquid is released from the ears, which has an unpleasant odor and a dark brown color. If it is not removed, then it forms a crust that clogs the ear canal. To clarify the diagnosis, you need to take a scraping and conduct a study, because some other diseases have similar symptoms. But even if the ear tick is diagnosed in cats, the doctor should prescribe treatment. Self-medication can provoke the occurrence of other diseases.
Treatment for ear scabies should begin with cleaning the ears from crusts and secretions. This must be done carefully enough so as not to damage the surface. For this purpose, you should use any antiseptic, in extreme cases, vodka is also suitable. Then you need to drip drops from the ear tick and massage, without sharp pressure. In some cases, ointments, liniments or powders are prescribed, as well as drops at the withers. There are aerosol preparations that are sprayed from a distance of 5 cm for no more than 2 seconds. A good effect is given by injections of ivermectins. The veterinarian prescribes a medicine for an ear tick, depending on the state of health of the cat and the neglect of the disease. Currently, the choice of drugs is quite extensive, but you should still listen to the recommendations of a specialist.
The disease is very contagious and spreads quickly enough. If an ear tick is found in cats, treatment should be given to all dogs and furry animals in the house, even if they are healthy. Otherwise, the possibility of re-infection increases sharply. For humans, these ticks are not dangerous, although they can be their carrier.
In order for the animal to fully recover, it is necessary to conduct the entire course of treatment, which usually lasts 21 days, observing the recommended frequency and dosage. Ear flares have their own development cycle, and premature cessation of treatment can lead to the re-emergence of the disease.
Ear mite in cats, the treatment of which was started in a timely manner passes without a trace. Owners should carefully monitor the behavior of their pets and, if symptoms typical of otodectosis appear, consult a veterinarian who can establish a reliable diagnosis. As a preventive measure, it is recommended that your cat's contact with stray animals be kept to a minimum.