What are Ear Mites?

Ear mites, also known as earworms, are known as Otodectes cynotis in English and are common ear canals in cats and dogs. Most cases are parasitic in the ear canal, and a few cases also occur in the head, neck and tail.

nickname: Earworm
English name: Otodectes cynotis

Common locations: Cat and dog ear canals
Contagious: Contagious

Ear mite pathogen introduction

Ear mite females are 0.35 to 0.45 mm long and males are 0.275 to 0.36 mm long.

Ear mites feed on epidermal residues and interstitial fluid.

Ear mite hosts include cats, dogs, foxes and marten.

Ear mite life cycle

The life cycle is about 18-28 days. The ear mite eggs became larvae after 4 days. The larva becomes an adult after passing through the stages of the proto-nymph and the second-stage nymph. Ear mites can fertilize and lay eggs as soon as they become adults. After leaving the host, they can survive in the environment for 5 to 17 days, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment.

Ear mite epidemiology

Ear mites are highly contagious between cats and dogs and are transmitted through close contact.

One cat or dog at home is infected with ear mites, and all cats and dogs need to start treatment at the same time.

Although dogs and cats of any age may be infected, they are mostly young. Cats are more likely to be infected than dogs.

In rare cases, people will have skin redness. Overall, people are less likely to develop symptoms from pet ear mites.

Pathogenic mechanism of ear mites

There are thousands of ear mites in cat ear canals, and the number of ear mites in dog ear canals is relatively small.

After infection with ear mites, mast cells and macrophages in the ear canal increase significantly. After two weeks of infection, a large amount of IgE antibodies are produced, leading to an allergic reaction.

May cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

Ear mite symptoms

It can cause severe itching and local allergic reactions when contacted with ear mite skin. It is usually concentrated in the ear canal, head and neck. In severe cases, itching may occur throughout the body. Itching of the ear is manifested by scratching the ear with your hind legs or shaking your head.

Produces red-brown or black ear canal secretions, consisting of ear oil, blood, inflammatory secretions, and ear mites themselves.

Skin scratches can appear near the ears, neck and tail roots, etc.

Ear pain, refusing ear canal examination.

Hair removal outside the pinna.

May cause ear hematoma.

Severe conditions can cause otitis media or otitis media, which may include hearing impairment and loss of balance.

Ear mite difference

Other forms of ear infections include bacterial and fungal infections.

Allergic ear canal inflammation.

Skin irritation caused by fleas.

Skin diseases caused by lice.

Skin diseases caused by mites, including chigger mites, demodex, etc.

Ear mite diagnosis

Microscopy: Take a small amount of secretion with a cotton swab, place it on a glass slide, drop a small amount of mineral oil, and observe with 4 or 10 times.

Ear mites are hard to see with the naked eye, just a few white spots. Otoscope allows direct observation and diagnosis.

The presence or absence of ear mites can be determined based on the effectiveness of the treatment.

Skin scraping sampling: For pets with systemic skin symptoms, skin sampling is required to determine the type of mite.

Ear mite treatment

External medicine for ear canal

Before using topical medication, ear canals should be cleaned with pet-specific ear washes to remove secretions.

Acarexx (with ivermectin) and Milbemite (containing moxidectin) are very effective single-use topical medications.

Tresaderm (containing thiabendazole) can be used to kill ear mites and eggs. The course of treatment takes 10-14 days. This medicine can also treat most bacterial and fungal infections at the same time.

There are many over-the-counter ear mite external medicines on the market. These external medicines can only kill adult worms, not eggs, so they must be treated for more than 3 weeks. The disadvantages of this treatment are that the course of treatment is too long and the pet may not cooperate.

External medicine for neck

Revolution Pampers (containing selamectin) and Advantage multi / Advocate (contains moxidectin) are very effective once-monthly topical medications for ear mites, which are dripped behind the neck. Pets generally require one or two treatments. Some doctors use it once every two weeks while treating ear mites.

Ear mite injection

Ivermectin is an off-label but effective treatment for ear mites. Subcutaneous injection of 300 micrograms / kg (ug / kg) once every 1 to 2 weeks, 4 times a course. Cannot be used with Collie, Shetland, and their mixed-breed, or other shepherd breeds. For pets under 6 months, use only when necessary. Cats have more toxic reactions in their infancy.

Ear mite treatment recommendations

Secondary bacterial or fungal infections require simultaneous treatment.

It is highly contagious and all small animals that have come in contact with sick pets need treatment.

Ear mites can survive in the environment and need to be carefully cleaned.

Ear mite prevention

Revolution's favorite (containing selamectin) and Advantage multi / Advocate (containing moxidectin) can prevent and treat ear mites, and can also prevent heartworm, fleas, roundworms and hookworms. Recommended for long-term use once a month.