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Cat Health News Articles
Page: 1
| Posted: 7th August 2004 |
| Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs |
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Ear mites in cats are one of the most commonly seen veterinary health care problemsTreating ear mites in cats has finally become a relatively easy experience now that veterinarians can prescribe safe and effective medications that do not require applications every other day for weeks. Caused by a little mite called Otodectes cynotis, the mites generally live along the surface of the ear canal, but can also be found on other areas of the body or in the environmentThese mites can, but seldom do, infest humansIf present for long periods, hey can lead to serious ear difficulties in cats and dogs.
As ear mites move about and feed along the cat or dog's ear canal they create substantial irritation and subsequent inflammationThe mites feed on tissue debris and secretions from the ear canal liningWith repeated irritation, the ear canal thickens and debris builds up within the ear canalThis debris, caused by mite waste products, dead tissue and fluid resembles coffee groundsIn chronic (long term) cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there often is secondary bacterial and yeast infections present that complicate the treatment and create even more stress on the animal
Generally, ear mites do not break the ear drumHowever, in the presence of infection and with severe enough affliction with ear mites, the ear drum can be penetratedWhen this occurs, a very severe middle ear disorder can result where the animal can loose balance, become disoriented and have severe physical signs of trouble.
LIFE CYCLE
The ear mite life cycle, which takes about twenty-one days from egg to adult, entails going through four different stages:
Stage 1: The Eggs
Female ear mites usually lay about 5 eggs daily during their entire adult life. Deposited on the surface lining of the ear canal, the eggs hatch within 4 days.
Stage 2: The Larvae
Once hatched from the eggs, the larvae feed for 4 days then rest for 24 hours as they molt into the nymphal phase.
Stage 3: The Nymphs
Two stages of nymphs are recognized. |
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