Operations in the field of the ear canal in animals

Ears are one of the main organs of a cat. An animal's hearing is much better than a human's, but cat's auricle ailments suffer no less than people. Classification of ear diseases in cats:

Many owners of home pupils are interested in the question of what kind of ear diseases do cats have?

Ear Diseases in Cats: Symptoms and Treatment

Appears against the background of received bites from other animals or blows. A bruise is formed if the vessels of the auricle are torn. In this case, the area begins to fill with blood. Due to pressure for some minutes after the rupture, the auditory organ swells, initiating a feeling of discomfort.

If competent treatment is not started at the first symptoms, then the neoplasm remains, and in the future, the accumulated fluid passes into the phase of scar tissue. Such a phenomenon can externally irreversibly change the organ of hearing. The size of the neoplasm depends on the pressure, on the level of compliance of the tissues around it. Hematomas occur on the inner plane of the ear and are much less common externally. Damaged ears increase in volume, hang down, if palpated, they are hot and hurt. If the disease is left to chance, then the soreness increases, and the bruising can lead to necrosis of the ear cartilage.

Treatment consists of removing the hematoma with a syringe or surgery. You cannot do this on your own! After opening the hematoma, the doctor will prescribe a course of an antibiotic like Ampicillin.

Lymphatic extravasation of the ears in cats

It has similar symptoms and occurs for the same reasons as a hematoma. The difference is only in the method of therapy. In case of illness, applying cold or heat is harmful. With the accumulation of lymph, the fluid is also taken with a syringe. When the procedure does not give a positive result, an operation is necessary. During the operation, the doctor cuts the hair, treats the skin area with an antiseptic, then cuts the skin, removes the contents, and finally sutures it. After the operation, antibiotics are also prescribed for 3-4 days.

Ear scabies in cats

Relate to the most common ailment. The disease is also called otodectosis, which is characterized by brown "islands" on the inside of the ear. They look like coffee. The disease is caused by ticks that can be easily seen. It is necessary to carry out treatment in a timely manner so that there is no inflammation and the animal does not die.

With a neglected variant of the disease, the animal becomes apathetic, the body temperature rises, and pathological conditions of the nervous system occur - convulsions.

How to identify ear mites?

How to treat otodectosis at home?

The procedure for treating ear mites does not require special knowledge and skills, so everything can be done at home. But when it comes to "neglected cases", it is best to contact a veterinarian immediately.

How to carry out treatment? Be sure to clean the ear from crusts and pus before using medicines. Use hydrogen peroxide or "Chlorhexidine" applied to a cotton swab. To clean the ear, you can take cotton swabs that are moistened with alcohol. The procedure is repeated 1-2 times a day. Only after the cat's ears are treated with alcohol or peroxide, you can use the medicine as prescribed by the veterinarian.

Drops "Otoferonol"

Important! Drops for the treatment of Bars ticks are especially effective. They must be applied to the skin in the neck area so that the animal does not lick it off.

Video - Otodectosis in cats

Otitis media in cats

Otitis media is characterized by inflammation. Symptoms resemble the same signs as in the case of ticks. This is redness, high sulfur content in the ears, irritation. However, with inflammation, the animal is not so common. The disease should be treated only by a veterinarian, since complications can occur with improper therapy. The pet owner must take the cat to the veterinary clinic and follow the recommendations of the doctor.

Treatment consists in treating the ear with "Chlorhexidine", removing sulfur with the help of an exudate solution. After removing all the crusts, the ear is instilled with drops of Otipax, Sofradex or.

Drops "Otipaks"

Neoplasms in the auricle

Neoplasms appear more often in an older animal in the area that closes the ear canal. Such growths are considered benign. However, an ulcerated bleeding tumor in the external auditory canal is poorly treated, and the animal is more often euthanized. Tumors look like small nodules in which an infectious process takes place. Your doctor may order a cell or tissue sample (biopsy) for diagnostic purposes. In some cases, benign growths can be treated with surgery, but not in an advanced stage.

Treatment involves a course of antibiotics and corticosteroids. Additionally, there are painkillers like Motrin or Advil.

Anesthetic drug "Motrin"

Eczema or dermatitis of the ear

This problem refers to inflammation of the outer ear. A factor of the disease is the ingress of a foreign body into the organ, the penetration of liquid. The pet feels unpleasant irritation. The skin swells up and turns red. On the site, discharge of a dark color of an unpleasant odor is noticeable. The animal keeps its head on its side.

In this case, you can remove the foreign body from the ear using a syringe with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Weeping areas are treated with astringents, such as a 2% solution of silver, a 3-5% solution of picric or boric acids. With severe itching, "Cordiozol" is connected and corticosteroid ointments like "Hydrocortisone", "Geocorton" are prescribed.

But in any case, it is better to contact a doctor who will wash the ear and prescribe the necessary medicine.

Inflammatory processes

Consider inflammatory processes in the ear and their types. Otitis media causes inflammation. There are 3 types:

external;
middle;
interior.

All species differ from each other in terms of the prerequisites for their occurrence. In addition, it should be noted that there is a variation of the disease: the outer and inner ear.

The defeat of the auditory tube of an inflammatory nature, which causes a deterioration in the ventilation of the tympanic cavity with the formation of otitis media. This type of disease is rare. It may appear as a complication of external inflammation if the therapy was carried out illiterately. An injury may also be the cause.

Reference! The initiators of the disease are often streptococci and staphylococci. The disease passes with purulent discharge in an acute form.

Signs and treatment

Severe consequences of inflammatory processes are manifested by a lifelong pathology of coordination, the animal loses its hearing. The symptoms of the disease are as follows:

the cat refuses to eat, tilts its head in the direction that is affected by the disease;
noticeable swelling;
increased body temperature;
discharge is acutely purulent;
the animal walks hesitantly.

Is your cat refusing to eat? She's probably unwell

Inflammation of the inner ear appears against the background of a complication of previous types of ear disease. The pathology process is severe, with severe symptoms:

hearing loss;
problems with the direction of body movement;
lack of appetite;
when feeling the temples, pain occurs.

The treatment is a long course of antibiotics. This may be a series of cephalosporins for 25-30 days with further adjustment of therapy in accordance with the results of bacteriological studies. In case of recurrence, surgical treatment or drainage of the ear cavity is often used.

Symptoms of ear diseases

Whatever the disease, the animal always has some symptoms with which the doctor can make a diagnosis. Therefore, with regard to ear diseases, veterinarians identify several main signs of ailments.

Tilt the head to the side.
The pet regularly tends to scratch his ears, as he is itchy.
The cat is lethargic.
Any disease of the ears is characterized by discharge from the auditory organs.
The pet often presses its ears to the head.
The temperature rises.
The auricle is red, and accumulation of fluid may be noticeable on its surface.

The main thing at the first changes in the cat's well-being is to visit a veterinarian who can immediately identify the cause and prescribe competent therapy.

Treatment

Consider how to treat ear diseases in cats? The first step is to get rid of the hair around the ear and from the inside. Wool is cut and treated with 3% hydrogen peroxide. These are all measures that a cat owner can personally take at home. The main treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian. How and how to treat a cat depends on the opinion of the doctor.

When an animal has an allergy, it is necessary to use pharmaceuticals that remove irritation and inflammation. In some cases, you will need to prescribe antibiotics in the form of injections or ingestion.

With a hematoma, it is necessary to make a puncture with a needle so that the blood comes out. So you can exclude further accumulation of pus. Then the damaged area is washed by injecting an antibiotic into the recess. Certain diseases of the ears are treated exclusively by surgery, for example, in the case of a sudden narrowing of the ear canal, formed as a result of prolonged inflammation.

Attention! When instilling drops, it is necessary to ensure that they are equally distributed along the inner plane of the auricle. Then the ear is pressed against the skin, massaged a little.

To date, there are many substances to carry out the treatment of ear mites in cats. Substances are divided into three types:

preparations in the form of drops and powder;
aerosols and ointments;
injection.

Video - How to put drops in a cat's ear?

Prevention of ear disease

Prevention of ear problems includes cleaning with a substance prescribed by a veterinarian. Such cleaning must be carried out continuously. Do not forget that the process of cleaning the ears should not cause pain to the animal. The whole procedure is done carefully so as not to injure the cat's hearing organs. To avoid unpleasant moments, you need to know what the prevention of ear disease in cats is. To clean your ears:

prepare tools, substances;
make sure that the cat is calm, not alarmed;
wrap the animal in a towel to protect yourself from scratching with claws;
it is necessary to drip a substance, lotion into the ear;
after instillation, do not pinch the ear strongly, make massaging movements;
after this manipulation, you can take a cotton swab and remove excess liquid.

When ear cleaning is done correctly, the cat owner does not need to worry that the pet may have complications. Accustom the animal from childhood to constant examinations of the ears. Do it delicately, combined with gentle strokes.

Lotions for washing the ears - "Otifri" and "Epi-otic", as well as lotion "Bars", in addition2 products of the German company Beaphar - can be obtained at any veterinary store. An interesting solution is the Miss Kiss sticks - these are ordinary sticks soaked in a remedy.

Conclusion

As you know, any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. This statement fully applies to ear diseases in cats. Do not forget to constantly take care of your four-legged pet's ears, provide him with a balanced diet and visit the veterinarian regularly.

Video - How to clean a cat's ears?

For a long time, it was believed that the balance of a cat is provided by its tail. However, modern veterinary medicine refutes this opinion. To date, it has been established that the unique sense of balance of this animal, which allows it to easily travel along the edges of fences or smooth cornices, is directly related to the ears. That is why diseases of the organs of hearing and balance of cats in the veterinary literature are combined into one group.

The ear is divided into three sections: the outer ear, which consists of the ear canal and auricle; the middle ear, consisting of three auditory ossicles and the tympanic membrane; cochlea, bony labyrinth and auditory nerves that make up the inner ear of the animal. Each department has its own function. The outer ear picks up the vibrations that sound is and sends them to the eardrum. Its vibrations are transmitted along a chain consisting of three bones to the inner ear. In turn, the fluid that fills the bony canals of the cochlea transmits impulses to the auditory nerve, which sends a signal to the animal's brain. The cat's vestibular apparatus, which is responsible for the sense of balance, is also located in the inner ear. Diseases of the organs of hearing and balance of cats pose a significant threat to the life of the animal. This is explained by the fact that with a disorder of the vestibular apparatus, the animal can be seriously injured by falling even from a slight height.

Hearing and balance disorders in cats - more about each disease

Otitis externa. This inflammation of the external auditory canal occurs in both chronic and acute forms. There are many reasons for otitis externa. The cause can be an accidental foreign body, and an infection brought by a cat when combing or resulting from concomitant diseases. In addition, ear mites are often the cause of otitis externa. You can determine the presence of the disease by the following symptoms: the cat is worried, often shakes its head, scratches one or both ears, it is depressed and may refuse to eat. In addition, a characteristic symptom of otitis externa is a specific squelching that occurs during palpation of the base of the auricle, and the presence of dark brown discharge. Measures taken in time provide a favorable prognosis of the disease. However, in advanced cases, various complications are possible, up to rupture of the eardrum and the spread of the inflammatory process to the inner ear.

Otitis media or inflammation of the middle ear. As an independent disease, otitis media in cats is quite rare. In most cases, the disease becomes the result of advanced otitis externa or injuries accompanied by damage to the eardrum. The disease can proceed in a purulent or catarrhal form. Symptoms: fever, lack of appetite, tenderness of one or both ears on palpation, tilt of the head towards the ear that causes pain, purulent discharge. Otitis media can cause inflammation of the meninges, which in turn can lead to the death of the animal. In such a situation, the cat needs urgent veterinary care. If it is not possible to immediately deliver the animal to the clinic, it is necessary to provide him with first aid, which consists in treating the outer ear with a 3% peroxide solution, followed by applying prednisolone ointment.

inflammation of the inner ear. An extremely life-threatening animal disease, because in the absence of proper treatment, inflammatory processes almost certainly affect the meninges. In addition, with inflammation of the inner ear, the vestibular apparatus of the animal also suffers. The classic symptom of this disease is a staggering gait and the inability to move in a straight line. If you notice that the cat's gait has become uncertain, the animal often stumbles or falls, it is necessary to take the pet to the veterinary clinic without delay. Otherwise, the prognosis can be extremely unfavorable.

Eustachitis. This is an inflammation of the Eustachian tube, the cause of which is most often inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx. The causative agents of the disease are any pathogenic microorganisms. Symptoms: the animal is restless, it shakes its head, scratches one or both ears. In this case, the body temperature, as a rule, remains normal. If the disease is ignored and left untreated, hearing is significantly reduced, and in some cases even complete deafness occurs.

Ear hematomas. They are more common in cats than in cats, due to the fact that they are more likely to participate in fights. Hematomas or accumulation of blood in the cavity formed under the skin arise as a result of any mechanical damage to the auricle - bruises, pressure, bites from other animals, etc. With small hematomas, you can limit yourself to applying a tight bandage and applying cold to the damaged area. In the case of an extensive hematoma, the help of a specialist is required, since its suppuration is possible, which can subsequently lead to surgery.

Sulfur plugs. The wax formed in the external auditory canal is a natural lubricant that protects the delicate skin of the ear canal from damage. But, in some cases, for example, when water gets into the ears while swimming, there may be an imbalance in the production of earwax, which begins to accumulate in the ear canal, and eventually clogs it. Up to a certain point, sulfur plugs do not bother the animal, but with an increase in their size, the cat begins to experience certain inconveniences. She shakes her head, scratches her ears with her paws, trying to remove the cork herself. Sometimes she succeeds, but in most cases she has to resort to the help of a specialist. You should not try to remove the wax plug yourself, as with a high degree of probability, you will damage the delicate ears of the animal, which will lead to even more problems.

With rare exceptions, the pathologies listed above respond well to treatment. But not always, the owner of the animal can independently determine the initial stage of a disease. That is why it is necessary to regularly visit the veterinary clinic for preventive purposes.

Introduction

Relevance of the research topic. Every person who at least once felt the extremely unpleasant sensations associated with this disease will remember them forever. Our pets suffer from this scourge much more often than you and I, and also experience soreness and severe discomfort with ear diseases.

The ears of a cat are one of the most important organs. Cats turn them in all directions, like locators. In some breeds of cats, they are directed upwards, in others they are folded in a triangle, and in others they are bent back.

Ears are important for cats to maintain balance. In general, the ears play a significant role in the life of cats, so ear diseases in cats are very dangerous.

Cat ears are very vulnerable to various diseases.

Otitis media in cats is called inflammation of the ear. Inflammatory processes can take place in the external auditory canal, middle and inner ear. The disease can occur in acute and chronic form.

There are several causes of otitis media. The main predisposing factors for the development of inflammation of the external ear are:

1.the accumulation of a large amount of earwax in the ears and its subsequent decomposition;

2.an important role in the occurrence of the disease is played by a strong growth of wool on the inner surface of the auricle;

.ear injuries (scratches, bruises, wounds, etc.);

As a rule, otitis media of the inner and middle ear is a complication of inflammation of the outer ear, purulent pharyngitis. Often this disease occurs in some infectious processes, otodectosis (an invasive disease caused by ticks), purulent pharyngitis, rhinitis. As the disease develops in the ears, an intensive reproduction of pathogenic microflora (streptococci, staphylococci) occurs, which further aggravates the process.

The object of study in the course work is otitis media in cats.

The subject of research in the work are the mechanisms for the detection and prevention of otitis media in cats.

The purpose of the course work is to investigate otitis media in cats.

Work tasks:

consider the general characteristics of ear diseases in cats;

analyze the essence, types, treatment and prevention of otitis media in cats.

1. General characteristics of ear diseases in cats

.1 Diseases of the hearing and balance organs of cats

cat otitis media ear disease

The ear is divided into three sections: the outer ear, which consists of the ear canal and auricle; the middle ear, consisting of three auditory ossicles and the tympanic membrane; cochlea, bony labyrinth and auditory nerves that make up the inner ear of the animal. Each department has its own function. The outer ear picks up the vibrations that sound is and sends them to the eardrum. Its vibrations are transmitted along a chain consisting of three bones to the inner ear. In turn, the fluid that fills the bony canals of the cochlea transmits impulses to the auditory nerve, which sends a signal to the animal's brain. The cat's vestibular apparatus, which is responsible for the sense of balance, is also located in the inner ear. Diseases of the organs of hearing and balance of cats pose a significant threat to the life of the animal. This is explained by the fact that with a disorder of the vestibular apparatus, the animal can be seriously injured by falling even from a slight height.

Diseases of the organs of hearing and balance in cats - more about each disease.

Otitis externa. This inflammation of the external auditory canal occurs in both chronic and acute forms. There are many reasons for otitis externa. The cause can be an accidental foreign body, and an infection brought by a cat when combing or resulting from concomitant diseases. In addition, ear mites are often the cause of otitis externa. You can determine the presence of the disease by the following symptoms: the cat is worried, often shakes its head, scratches one or both ears, it is depressed and may refuse to eat. In addition, a characteristic symptom of otitis externa is a specific squelching that occurs during palpation of the base of the auricle, and the presence of dark brown discharge. Measures taken in time provide a favorable prognosis of the disease. However, in advanced cases, various complications are possible, up to rupture of the eardrum and the spread of the inflammatory process to the inner ear.

Otitis media or inflammation of the middle ear. As an independent disease, otitis media in cats is quite rare. In most cases, the disease becomes the result of advanced otitis externa or injuries accompanied by damage to the eardrum. The disease can proceed in a purulent or catarrhal form. Symptoms: fever, lack of appetite, tenderness of one or both ears on palpation, tilt of the head towards the ear that causes pain, purulent discharge. Otitis media can cause inflammation of the meninges, which in turn can lead to the death of the animal. In such a situation, the cat needs urgent veterinary care. If it is not possible to immediately deliver the animal to the clinic, it is necessary to provide him with first aid, which consists in treating the outer ear with a 3% peroxide solution, followed by applying prednisolone ointment.

Inflammation of the inner ear. An extremely life-threatening animal disease, because in the absence of proper treatment, inflammatory processes almost certainly affect the meninges. In addition, with inflammation of the inner ear, the vestibular apparatus of the animal also suffers. The classic symptom of this disease is a staggering gait and the inability to move in a straight line. If you notice that the cat's gait has become uncertain, the animal often stumbles or falls, it is necessary to take the pet to the veterinary clinic without delay. Otherwise, the prognosis can be extremely unfavorable.

Eustachitis. This is an inflammation of the Eustachian tube, the cause of which is most often inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx. The causative agents of the disease are any pathogenic microorganisms. Symptoms: the animal is restless, it shakes its head, scratches one or both ears. In this case, the body temperature, as a rule, remains normal. If the disease is ignored and left untreated, hearing is significantly reduced, and in some cases even complete deafness occurs.

Ear hematomas. They are more common in cats than in cats, due to the fact that they are more likely to participate in fights. Hematomas or accumulation of blood in the cavity formed under the skin arise as a result of any mechanical damage to the auricle - bruises, pressure, bites from other animals, etc. With small hematomas, you can limit yourself to applying a tight bandage and applying cold to the damaged area. In the case of an extensive hematoma, the help of a specialist is required, since its suppuration is possible, which can subsequently lead to surgery.

Sulfur plugs. The wax formed in the external auditory canal is a natural lubricant that protects the delicate skin of the ear canal from damage. But, in some cases, for example, when water gets into the ears while swimming, there may be an imbalance in the production of earwax, which begins to accumulate in the ear canal, and eventually clogs it. Up to a certain point, sulfur plugs do not bother the animal, but with an increase in their size, the cat begins to experience certain inconveniences. She shakes her head, scratches her ears with her paws, trying to remove the cork herself. Sometimes she succeeds, but in most cases she has to resort to the help of a specialist. You should not try to remove the wax plug yourself, as with a high degree of probability, you will damage the delicate ears of the animal, which will lead to even more problems.

1.2 Causes of ear disease in a cat

There are many causes of ear infections in cats, here are some of them:

1.Allergy (atopy, food)

.Microorganisms (bacteria, fungus)

.Foreign bodies in the ear of a cat, awns of plants.

Injury

.Environment of the ear, e.g. high humidity.

.Hereditary or immune disorders, tumors

Allergies: Cats who are allergic to substances in their food or air may have ear problems. In fact, ear disease can be the first sign of an allergy. Since allergies change the environment in the ear, secondary infections caused by bacteria or fungus can develop. Just by treating infectious diseases, we do not eliminate the root cause of the disease, it is also necessary to treat allergies.

Bacteria and yeasts: Numerous species of bacteria and fungi (Malassezia pachydermatis) cause ear infections in cats. Normally, a healthy ear is well protected from these microorganisms. But if the environment of the ear is disturbed due to allergies, hormonal disorders, dampness, bacteria can multiply too much and overcome the natural defenses.

Foreign bodies: awns of plants clinging to everything - our clothes, shoes, cat hair can also get into the ear canal. Their presence causes irritation, the cat scratches the ears and may scratch them before you notice that something has got into the ear. If your cat goes outside, make it a habit to check her ears regularly.

Injury: As mentioned above, self-injury due to scratching can exacerbate ear problems.

Hormonal imbalances: Too much or too little of various hormones can cause ear and skin problems in cats. Thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands, and sex hormones all affect skin and ear health.

Ear environment: There is nothing better for bacteria and fungi to live in than a warm, dark, damp ear canal.

Other causes: There are various rare hereditary diseases that are characteristic of both whole breeds and individual lines that affect the health of the cat's ears. Eosinophilic granuloma associated with disorders in the cat's immune system can also affect the cat's ear. There are also diseases of the cat's ear, such as squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and other types of tumors.

Since there are many causes of ear disease in a cat, it cannot simply be said that it is a bacterial infection and antibiotics are sufficient to treat it. It often takes a lot of work to find the cause. For a deep examination of the ear canal, veterinarians use an otoscope, determining the extent and size of the inflamed area. It is important to determine whether the tympanic membrane is affected, whether there are foreign bodies, tumors and other possible causes of the disease. An ear swab may be required for microscopic examination to look for bacteria, fungi, and ear mites. Based on the medical history and physical examination, possible hormonal, allergic and hereditary disorders are identified. If conventional antibiotics do not work, additional tests are carried out to help choose the right drugs.

The choice of treatment method depends on the cause of the ear problems. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, and antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal infections. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone are often included in these medications to relieve ear infections. Treatment of ear diseases caused by systemic causes, such as hormonal disorders or allergies, should include whole-body procedures such as desensitization (immunotherapy), hormone replacement therapy, and accurate allergen detection.

Allergy: usually treated with regular cleaning of the ear with special cleaning solutions, antihistamines, medicines containing fatty acid supplements. Sometimes corticosteroids are needed. They can be used in the form of tablets, injections and ointments. Allergy testing and immunotherapy help treat ear problems.

Ear mites: Causes dry, dark, crumbly debris to form in the ear, resembling coffee grounds. Treatment is carried out with drugs that kill ticks, and lasts several weeks, until complete recovery.

Yeast: Fungi can cause serious ear problems. Usually the disease is accompanied by the release of brown waxy pus and an unpleasant odor. Daily cleaning of the ears is beneficial, but often the disease has to be treated with special preparations, since antibiotics cannot kill the fungus. If you suspect a fungal infection of the cat's ears, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Bacterial infections: also cause foul odor and profuse yellowish purulent discharge. In severe or chronic cases, ear cleaning is not sufficient, and antibiotics are almost always needed. Again, contact your veterinarian. An ear infection can spread to the middle and inner ear, so it's best not to delay starting treatment.

Regardless of the cause of an ear condition, the ear canal should always be kept clean.

2. Essence, types, treatment and prevention of otitis media in cats

.1 The concept of otitis media

Otitis - inflammation of various parts of the ear, manifested by fever, intoxication and pain syndrome, and in some cases hearing loss.

Otitis media can be accompanied by damage to the outer or middle ear. Otitis externa occurs when an infection penetrates through small skin lesions that form after damage to the external auditory shell due to mechanical trauma and chemical and thermal burns. The main causative agents of the disease in this case are streptococci and staphylococci, proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc. The presence of diabetes mellitus, gout, hypovitaminosis and other metabolic disorders in the body predisposes to external otitis media.

The main cause of otitis media are infections of the nasopharynx, in which the pathogen passes through the auditory tube into the middle ear cavity. As a rule, otitis in this case will be caused by acute respiratory viruses (influenza and parainfluenza, adeno- and rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus) and bacteria (pneumococcus, pyogenic streptococcus, moraxella and Haemophilus influenzae). This cause of the disease is especially well realized in young children due to the fact that their auditory tube is short and wide. In addition, with otitis media, an infection in the middle ear cavity can also penetrate from the outside as a result of mechanical damage or barotrauma of the tympanic membrane. Chronic infections of the nasopharynx (chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, adenoids) contribute to the onset of the disease.

With otitis externa, inflammation first captures the surface layers of the auricle, and then can move to the tissues surrounding the ear and even to the eardrum. In the case of the development of otitis media, the mucous membrane of the ear becomes inflamed and begins to produce fluid - exudate, which can be either serous (more often with viral lesions) or purulent (if the process is caused by bacteria). The accumulation of fluid inside the middle ear causes the eardrum to bulge outward and sometimes rupture. The same with otitis media is also the cause of hearing loss.

So, otitis is a common name for inflammatory diseases of the ears. Depending on which parts of the ear are affected by the pathological process, otitis is divided into the outer, middle and inner ear. In animals, otitis externa is more often recorded, in which inflammation affects only the external auditory canal up to the tympanic membrane. Otitis media in cats and dogs is an inflammation of the cavity behind the eardrum. With a long course of the disease, simultaneous damage to the middle and outer ear is recorded.

Ear infections can be caused by many factors. They are divided into primary, serving as the direct cause of the disease, predisposing, contributing to the development of otitis, and secondary, complicating the course of the disease.

Predisposing factors are congenital anatomical features of the ears in some breeds, volumetric formations of the auditory canals, and frequent bathing.

Secondary factors arise against the background of an already developed inflammation provoked by primary and / or predisposing factors. This is a change in the composition of the microflora of the auditory canal, inflammation of the middle ear, degenerative changes in the skin up to cartilage damage.

2.2 Types of otitis media in cats

Inflammation of the middle and inner ear in most cases has an infectious origin and is often a complication of inflammation of the external auricle. The causative agents of otitis can also penetrate from the oral cavity and nasopharynx through the Eustachian tubes. Much less often, inflammation in the inner ear develops as a result of metastatic spread of infection through the blood. In the vast majority of otitis media, the causative agents of the disease are bacteria, then fungi of the genus Malassezia spp., Candida spp. and Aspergillus. Factors contributing to the transition of inflammation are tumor processes in the outer ear, trauma to the tympanic membrane, as well as a change in pressure with existing inflammation during inhalation anesthesia.

Most often, otitis media and internal occur along with inflammation of the external auricle, since they are its pathological continuation, regardless of its pathogen. Predisposing factors are old age, colonization of bacteria in the nasopharynx in chronic pharyngitis, dental diseases, as well as suppressive hormone therapy, in which, with a temporary decrease in inflammation, the resulting decrease in resistance allows the infection to penetrate deep into the ear.

With the development of otitis media and internal, a certain clinical picture is manifested, characteristic of this disease: pain when opening the mouth, difficulty in eating and swallowing. The animal can shake its head, rub its paw or on various objects with a sore ear, a tilt of the head is noted. In cases where the infection affects both ears, clinically you can see a violation of coordination of movements, hearing loss. With irritation of the vestibular apparatus, vomiting may occur. Prolapse of the third eyelid, loss of food from the mouth. Sometimes pupillary asymmetry is noted.

During otoscopy and examination of the animal with internal and otitis media, as a rule, discharge from the outer ear of exudate, redness, pain on palpation of the base of the ear, swelling of the middle ear cavity is evidenced by the tympanic membrane protruding into the canal area. In some cases, lymphadenopathy is found on the side of the lesion and such concomitant and predisposing pathologies as gingivitis, pharyngitis or tartar.

The degree of neurological disorders depends on the severity of the disease, damage to certain structures of the middle (facial nerve and sympathetic chain) and / or inner ear (vestibular apparatus and auditory receptors) and associated formations. For example, when the vestibular part of the seventh cranial nerve is irritated, the head turns in the direction of the lesion. Sometimes nystagmus is noted (at rest or with eye movements, rotational or horizontal), as well as vestibular strabismus. The dog may lean, turn, twist or fall to the affected side due to lack of coordination. With damage to the facial nerve, paresis or paralysis of the tissues of the ear, eyelid, and lip on the side of the process is characteristic.

If the sympathetic chain is involved, Horner's syndrome develops on the side of the lesion: miosis, ptosis and enophthalmos; it is also possible for the third century to fall out.

In the differential diagnosis of otitis media and internal otitis, it must be distinguished from diseases of the nervous system, accompanied by vestibular disorders (including congenital), polyneuropathy with damage to the seventh and eighth pairs of cranial nerves against the background of hypothyroidism, vestibular disorders of central origin (often stupor and stem symptoms), head trauma. Often, the cause of recurrent otitis media refractory to treatment is a tumor or polyps of the nasopharynx, which are detected by radiography. Toxic effects of drugs, in particular, metronidazole in excess of the dose has a toxic effect with bilateral vestibular symptoms. The elimination method is used to diagnose idiopathic vestibular disorders characteristic of old dogs, idiopathic Horner's syndrome in young and middle-aged cats, and idiopathic facial paralysis.

In the state of white blood, leukocytosis is noted with a shift of the formula to the left. If hypothyroidism is suspected, a blood test is performed for the concentration of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the blood. Also, when diagnosing hypothyroidism, a test with stimulation of thyroid-stimulating hormones is performed.

Research methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide the most complete picture of the process in the middle ear cavity and the involvement of neighboring structures, in contrast to less informative radiography.

The most important timely initiation of antibiotics or antifungal drugs. Long-term (30-40 days) systemic antibiotic therapy with broad-spectrum drugs is carried out. You can start with cephalosporins with subsequent correction of therapy in accordance with the results of bacteriological examination and condition. With concomitant otitis externa, the external auditory meatus is cleaned and treated and local treatment is carried out. If the eardrum is damaged, a warm isotonic solution of sodium chloride is used, which is used to wash the ear after treatment with special liquids. The ear canal is dried with a cotton swab. Astringents (boric acid) can also be used. Place apply aqueous solutions of antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol. In case of neurological disorders, the appointment of aminoglycosides, which have an ototoxic effect, is avoided. Local and systemic corticosteroids are not used, as an exacerbation of the infectious process is possible.

With a recurrent course, surgical treatment is sometimes used. With the accumulation of exudate in the cavity of the middle ear, it is drained. Osteotomy of the mastoid process is indicated for purulent osteomyelitis, radical surgery on the middle ear - for neoplasms and recurrent otitis externa.

The most important preventive measure is to control the condition and course of otitis externa, diseases of the mouth and nose.

The prognosis for otitis media and internal is favorable. Improvement usually occurs within 2-6 weeks, faster in small breed dogs and cats. The prognosis worsens with a recurrent course.

2.3 Causes, diagnosis and prevention of otitis media in cats

Consider the causes of otitis media:

Primary factors:

2.foreign bodies (usually plant seeds, small twigs, pieces of cotton wool when cleaning the ear)

.allergic reactions (for example, with intolerance to certain foods, allergies to some of the components of the external environment that enters the animal's body by inhalation)

.extremely rare autoimmune diseases

Predisposing factors in which the microclimate in the ear canal changes, and, as a result, a change in the microflora of the ear:

1.structure (in some breeds of dogs, for example, Shar-Pei, there is a congenital narrowing of the auditory canals)

2.tumor diseases that can cause narrowing of the ear canal and impaired ventilation in it (common in older cats and dogs)

.wrong choice of drugs for treatment

.frequent head bathing

.Some breeds of dogs, in particular Cocker Spaniels, have a congenital predisposition to otitis externa.

As a result of the action of the above reasons, the so-called secondary factors arise:

1.change in microflora

2. otitis media

.progressive changes in the skin lining the ear and even cartilage damage

Otodectosis. Infection with a tick is accompanied by a characteristic appearance for this disease with the formation of a large amount of dry, dark brown discharge, accompanied by an inflammatory reaction of varying intensity.

Demodex canis otodemodicosis is a rare disease that causes chronic otitis externa in dogs and cats.

bacterial infection. Infection with staphylococci, streptococci and proteas is usually accompanied by the formation of a light yellow exudate.

Yeast infection. Malassezia infection can cause a chocolate brown, waxy discharge. In cats, such otitis can be accompanied by significant itching, even with a slight excess of the amount of microflora, and often occurs against the background of chronic viral infections or neoplastic diseases.

Hypersensitivity reactions. Cause cases of chronic otitis externa. In mild cases, there may be redness on the inside of the pinna and the vertical part of the outer ear canal. In allergic dogs, otitis is often accompanied by itching in the muzzle, interdigital spaces, abdomen, and armpits.

Autoimmune diseases. These diseases may be accompanied by rashes, crusts of dried exudate on the skin of the auricle. Inflammation of the ear canal with these pathologies usually does not occur. The most common of these rare diseases is pemphigus foliaceus.

For an accurate diagnosis of the causes of the disease and the appointment of competent treatment, your doctor will help to carry out the necessary procedures and studies. For the diagnosis of ear diseases are used:

1.cytological examination of the detachable ear canal, to determine the microbial composition of the exudate

.otoscopy, for a thorough examination of the external auditory canal, detection of foreign bodies, volumetric formations, violations of the integrity of the tympanic membrane

.histological examination of pieces of volumetric formations of the ear for the diagnosis of tumor processes and differentiation of neoplasia from hyperplasia (growth) of ear tissues in chronic otitis media (this procedure can be performed using an endoscope).

.for very excitable and aggressive animals, as well as for severe ear pain, procedures can be performed under general anesthesia

In any case, with prolonged otitis externa, chronic changes in the ear canal may occur, such as thickening of the skin lining the ear canal, narrowing of the ear canal, increased moisture due to increased secretion of exudate into the canal lumen. In prolonged cases of otitis externa, calcification (ossification) of the ear canal occurs, accompanied by cartilage deformation. In such a situation, as well as when volumetric formations are detected, a complete surgical removal of ear tissues is performed, since conservative treatment will not be successful.

The basis of preventive measures to prevent otitis media is compliance with the rules for the care and maintenance of cats. In addition, you need to follow some simple recommendations that can keep your furry pet healthy:

1.periodically inspect the external auditory canal and promptly clean it of accumulated sulfur;

2.avoid finding a cat in damp and cool rooms, as a result of which the body can become very cold;

.while swimming, carefully ensure that water does not get into the ears;

.since otitis media can be the result of ear mites, cats should not be allowed to communicate with homeless and yard animals;

.Disinfection and decontamination of care items in a timely manner.

2.4 Treatment of otitis media in cats

Treatment for otitis media in dogs and cats depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the condition. As a rule, therapy is reduced to general treatment and local treatment. General treatment includes, in general, the correct selection of antimicrobials (antibiotics), if necessary. Local treatment consists in the sanitation of the auricle and ear canal and the use of a variety of anti-inflammatory drops. Let's give some examples.

Treatment example. Cat 5 years old (6 kg), otitis media provoked by tick-borne invasion (otodectosis).

Stage 1 (up to 14-21 days) includes local treatment and general treatment of otitis media. Local processing:

1.We wipe with hydrogen peroxide 2 times a day - up to 14 days. We wipe the inside of the ear and the ear canal, removing crusts and secretions until completely clean. The cotton swab should be moist and nothing should get into the ear canal from it.

2.Chlorhexidine 2 times a day - up to 14 days. We wipe the inside of the ear and the ear canal, previously treated with peroxide. The cotton swab should be moist and nothing should get into the ear canal from it.

.We lubricate the inner side of the ear with Bepanthen or Celestoderm or DE (DK) Cream (vet.) 2 times a day - up to 14 days. The use of ointments on a "hormonal basis" is not recommended.

.Drops Sofradex or Genodex 2-3 drops in each ear 2 times a day - up to 14 days. It is possible to use "complex drops" (given above) in the form of Cefazolin or Ceftriaxone.

General treatment:

1.Serrata 1 tablet 1-2 times a day - up to 10 days.

2.Cifran 500 mg 1/2-1/3 tablets 1-2 times a day - up to 5-7-10 days (if necessary).

.Griseofulvin 1/4 tablet 2 times a day - up to 7 days.

.Ivermectin or Dectomax (as needed).

Stage 2 (up to 14 days). This stage includes the treatment (cleaning) of the auricle and ear canal with an acaricidal suspension (DE Cream 40 ml + Dioxidin 10 ml + Liquid Creolin 1-1.5 ml) 2 times a day. This suspension must be injected into the animal's ear canal (with a syringe without a needle) in a volume of 2-3 ml; distribute evenly by actively massaging the root of the auricle and then evacuate after 1-2 minutes with a cotton swab. Such a treatment regimen for otitis media caused by the otodex mite is the most appropriate and minimizes the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Returning to the basic therapy of otitis media, it must be remembered that drop preparations must necessarily fall only into the previously cleaned ear. Introducing them into the "untreated" (contaminated) ear is not only useless, but also harmful. The microflora easily adapts to antibiotics and cultivates more resistant forms of bacteria, which complicates and aggravates the process in the future, and provokes persistent relapses. It is naive to assume that the use of drops alone will be sufficient in the treatment of otitis media in cats.

In perforated forms of otitis media (acute and chronic), the introduction of ear drops containing ototoxic antibiotics is contraindicated: ciprofloxacin, rifamycin, norfloxacin, etc.

Here is a summary table of some ear drops and how to use them (Appendix 1).

The fight against pain in otitis is one of the components in the complex therapy of the disease, so anti-inflammatory, dehydrating and analgesic therapy is also quite important. It is necessary to select a drug that combines these qualities. Quite often, with non-perforative acute otitis media, Otipax ear drops are successfully applied - they have all of the listed properties.

2.5 Caring for your cat's ears

There are cases when the cat's ears need to be cleaned:

.if a cat naturally has an increased serosecretion (this is not a disease, these are body features, and in order to avoid inflammatory diseases of the ears, regular hygiene is required, about 1 time per week);

.after washing the cat. After bathing, be sure to blot moisture that has got into the ear with a cotton swab or swab. If this is not done, otitis media may develop;

.during pre-exhibition grooming of a cat;

.as one of the therapeutic measures in the fight against ear mites (otodecosis) and other diseases of the cat's ears. It is especially worth paying attention if the cat shakes its head and scratches its ears (This may be a sign of earwax or ear mites). In the case of mites, dark brown sulfur deposits with an unpleasant odor appear in the auricle. Ideally, an ear mite infested animal should be isolated from other animals until fully recovered.

To clean the ears of a cat, it is best to use a cotton swab (or cotton buds) lubricated with oil, petroleum jelly or liquid paraffin. You can also use ear hygiene products from companies such as Iv San Bernard - Klin Ear; Bio-Groom - Ear Care, Ear Fresh (powder); 8 in 1 - Ear Clear, Ear Powder (powder), Ear Cleansing Pads (napkins); Hartz - Ear Mite Treatment With Aloe; Beaphar and others. It is not recommended to insert a cotton swab or sticks too deep into the ear canal (about 1 cm) so as not to damage the eardrum. If the ear is very dirty, treat it with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

If the cat calmly tolerates various manipulations, put it on the table or on your lap. If the cat resists a lot, wrap her in a towel and place her on the table or on her lap (you will have to swaddle the cat like a small child). Grasp your head with one hand, fixing the muzzle and mouth, with the other hand turn the auricle "inside out". Examine the ear and clean it in one of the ways, depending on which product you are using (see product instructions). Some products are recommended to put 1-2 drops into the ear, massage the base of the ear and clean it with a swab or cotton swab. With some means, you can moisten the tampon itself and wipe the auricle. The method is not important, the result is important - a clean ear. Finally, you can lightly dust the ear with Bio-Groom or 8 in 1 disinfectant ear powder. After the procedure, the cat may feel restless and shake its ears for a while.

It is not worth it to abuse the funds. If the ear is clean enough, after bathing the cat, simply blot it with dry cotton swabs and that's it.

It is also not worth cleaning your ears often unnecessarily - you remove the protective microflora of the ear. The optimal frequency of ear cleaning is selected individually, from once a week to once a year (and this happens when the pet is in perfect health).

Conclusion

Drawing conclusions, we note that otitis in cats is inflammation of the auditory canal (middle, external or internal). Otitis media in cats can result from infection, high sulfur production, allergic reactions, or a foreign body in the ear. The risk of otitis media in cats can occur if the ear canal is not properly cleaned. As a result of the occurrence of pain in one ear, one can judge the presence of a tick in it, a foreign body, the occurrence of a tumor or polyps.

Symptoms of otitis media in cats are easily identified. If blood or serous fluid, pus, is released from the ear canal, the cat begins to press its ears, in this case, the animal should be immediately shown to the veterinarian, who, when examining the auditory canal, will determine the cause of the disease. During the examination, other symptoms of otitis media in cats can also be detected: redness and swelling of the external auditory canal, and in advanced cases, an increase in lymph nodes from the side of the affected ear under the jaw.

A dark brown discharge from the ear canal may indicate the presence of a tick in the ear. In the case of a disease of the inner or middle ear, cats experience pain when opening their mouths, chewing becomes difficult, discharge from the eyes, strabismus and deafness occur. Often, middle ear disease is a complication of an infectious disease (for example, pharyngitis or rhinitis). The veterinarian makes a diagnosis against the background of the general clinical picture and analysis of the contents of the ear canal. Only after that treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of otitis is prescribed by a veterinarian, depending on the degree of complexity of otitis media. First, the ear canal is cleaned using saline, anti-inflammatory drugs, special drops, and in severe cases, a long course of antibiotic treatment is prescribed. With the accumulation of sulfur or a large number of foreign bodies in the external passage, it is necessary to wash it, in especially severe cases, this procedure is carried out with a syringe, under anesthesia. If there is a tumor in the ear that cannot be cured with medication, surgery may be required to remove it.

During the treatment of otitis in cats, you need to keep it in a warm room without drafts, provide it with a balanced diet (give only protein foods), good care and plenty of fluids. To prevent the cat from combing the sore ear, she needs to wear a special collar.

It should be remembered that treatment at an early stage of otitis media in cats will not lead to serious consequences, such as a ruptured eardrum or deafness, so immediately seek help from veterinarians.

As a preventive measure, it can be suggested to inspect the cat's auricle once a week, carefully clean the ear canal, trying not to damage its integrity.

List of sources used

1.Aliev A.A., Omarova S.N., Fotina E.B., Litvinov N.V. Treatment of otomycosis in small domestic animals // Problems of Medical Mycology. - 2008. Vol. 10. - No. 1. - S. 25-26.

2.Belkin B., Zharov, A. Prudnikov V., Barsukov V., Malakhova N. Pathological diagnosis of animal diseases. - M.: Aquarium-Print, 2013. - S. 92.

.Bratyukha S.I., Nagorny I.S. Diseases of dogs and cats. - M.: Book on Demand, 2012. - S. 158.

.Verevkina M.N., Abakumova M.N., Selivanov V.V. Otitis cats and dogs // In the collection: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of farm animals. - M., 2011. - S. 11-13.

.Glikina E.G. Home veterinary guide for owners of dogs and cats. - M.: Astrel, 2012. - S. 274.

.Dyulger G.P., Tabakov G.P. Fundamentals of veterinary medicine. - M.: Lan, 2013. - S. 277.

.Kaiser S. Small Animal Therapy. Causes of illness. Symptoms. Diagnosis. treatment strategy. - M.: Aquarium-Print, 2011. - S. 333.

.Kislenko V.N. Veterinary microbiology and immunology. - M.: Lan, 2012. - S. 92.

.Kudryashov A.A., Balabanova V.I. Pathological anatomical diagnosis of diseases of dogs and cats. - M.: Institute of Veterinary Biology, 2011. - P. 124.

.Manoyan M.G., Ovchinnikov R.S., Gainullina A.G., Panin A.N. Development of veterinary mycology // Veterinary. - 2011. - No. 1. - S. 39-40.

.Nikitin I.N. Organization of veterinary business. - M.: Lan, 2013. - S. 101.

.Talko A. Veterinarian's Handbook. Animal First Aid Guide. - St. Petersburg: Peter, 2011. - S. 71.

.Chandler E.A., Gaskell K.J., Gaskell R.M. Diseases of cats. - M.: Aquarium, 2011. - S. 447.

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In the article I will talk about the main diseases of the ears in a cat: otitis, dermatitis, scabies, ulcers, eczema, etc. I will list the symptoms of these ailments. I will give the reasons for the development of the disease. Why suddenly a clean pet starts to itch and what to do. I will tell you when you need to take your pet to the veterinarian.

If a kitten or cat experiences discomfort or pain in the ear area, they become restless, tilt their head, and act unusually.

The pet becomes irritable, not too willing to make contact.

Ear diseases can be recognized by the following symptoms:

the appearance of abundant plaque in the auricle;
an unpleasant odor comes from the cat's head;
the pet constantly scratches his ears, sometimes he combs them until deep wounds appear;
the cat periodically shakes its head;
sores, small scratches, a rash appear on the surface of the ear, and in advanced cases a squelching sound is heard.

Any of these symptoms indicate the development of an ear disease.

If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, then a banal fungus can cause deafness or even death of a pet.

Ear diseases and home remedies

Ear diseases are divided into two groups: contagious and non-contagious. The first group includes the presence of a subcutaneous tick or otodectosis. The second group includes: dermatitis, eczema, necrosis, neoplasms, hematomas, ulcers, otitis media, inflammation, lymphoextravasate.

Scabies mite (otodectosis)

Left untreated, the infection spreads deeper and eventually affects the inner ear.

Otodectosis is easily transmitted from a sick cat to a healthy one.

It can develop for many reasons:

ear mite;
neoplasm;
water in the ear
head injury;
an infection caused by staphylococci or streptococci.

Otitis externa of a cat or cat is manifested by itching, profuse secretion of sulfur.

With inflammation of the middle or inner ear, the pet may get sick, then he constantly shakes his head, there is a purulent exudate.

The cat's ears smell unpleasant, they become hot to the touch. The animal often has a fever.

Otitis media is treated with antibiotics, ear ointments and lotions.

Lymphoextravasate

With this disease, there is an accumulation of lymph under the skin of the auricle. Reasons for the development of the disease: mechanical impact (trauma, bruises, bites, etc.). Lymphoextravasate develops slowly, while the ear has a normal temperature.

Treatment consists in removing the lymph with a syringe. This procedure should only be carried out by a veterinarian. In rare cases, the skin is incised, then the cavity is thoroughly cleaned and stitched.

Prevention

Each owner should regularly inspect their cat's ears at home for profuse discharge, crusts, sores, or other signs of disease. If the pet began to shake his head, scratch his ear vigorously, or if he had a fever, this is a reason to consult a veterinarian.

Ear infections without treatment can lead to serious complications. If the inflammation spreads to the inner ear, the animal may become deaf.

Many diseases are accompanied by severe itching and pain, so it is necessary to start treatment on time.

Inflammation of the ears in cats (otitis media) is a fairly common phenomenon. It causes a lot of suffering to the animal, and in especially severe cases leads to the development of a severe disease - meningoencephalitis.

Most often, cats have otitis externa. The disease begins with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the organ. Then the tissues of the middle ear are damaged, pus is released. The disease occurs in two forms: acute and chronic. In acute inflammation, perforation of the eardrum can occur, hearing acuity decreases and complete deafness occurs.

Causes of the disease

Various factors can provoke the development of otitis media in cats. The main reasons are:

damage to the integrity of the eardrum resulting from trauma or ear scratching;
transmission of infection from the pharynx;
ingress of foreign objects - insects, thorns and others;
tick infestations;
accumulation of sulfur in the ear canal;
cold water in the ear
bacterial and fungal diseases;
skin pathologies - eczema, boils, dermatitis.

Inflammation of the ear in a cat can manifest itself as a secondary disease against the background of infectious diseases: rhinitis, pharyngitis and others. The risk of developing otitis media increases in the presence of predisposing factors. They can be: violations of air exchange in the auricle and high humidity, the presence of a narrow ear canal and abundant hairline, the animal's tendency to allergic diseases, as well as endocrine and immune diseases (lack of thyroid hormones, pemphigus, discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus).

Otitis media in cats most often occurs due to an infectious disease of the external ear and when the eardrum is injured. If timely treatment is not carried out, the inflammation passes to the inner ear.

Symptoms of the disease

Otitis in cats is accompanied by severe itching, the animal scratches the sore spot, tilts its head. There are symptoms such as:

redness of the ear and parotid region;
hair loss;
violation of the integrity of the skin, its thickening and coarsening;
discharge from the ear;
copious outflow of pus (in case of damage to the eardrum);
ulcers inside the auricle;
the formation of crusts;
in the case of a purulent form of the disease, the body temperature rises;
with inflammation of the inner ear, coordination of movements is disturbed, the cat spins in place, falls;
the animal becomes lethargic, appetite worsens, vomiting opens;
in severe cases, paralysis of the facial nerve may occur - on the side of the diseased ear, the lip will be distorted.

When the last four symptoms appear, the cat must be immediately shown to the veterinarian, as a serious complication, meningoencephalitis, may develop.

When you press the base of the ear shell in a cat, you can hear a characteristic squelching. With a long course of the inflammatory process, the ear canal narrows, and benign formations appear on the affected areas.

Medical therapy

Before treatment, you need to carefully remove the formed crusts and pus, carefully trim the hair inside the ear. Crusts can be softened with:

warm boiled water;
3% salt solution (30 g per 1 liter of boiled water);
the drug Epacid-alpha (a cotton swab is moistened with 1-1.5 ml of the solution);
special ear lotions.

Then you should make an antiseptic treatment. To do this, the cat's ear is wiped with a cotton swab moistened with a 3% solution of boric or salicylic acid. You can also use the drug Aurikan and solutions of hydrogen peroxide, Iodez, Chlorhexidine, Povidone-iodide.

Ear drops Aurikan with otitis media have a complex effect - antibacterial, antiseptic, insecticidal and anti-inflammatory. The drug is used not only to treat inflammation of the ears in cats, but also to prevent the disease, as well as during hygiene procedures. In cats, it is instilled 5 drops into the ear canal. After that, the auricle is massaged with light circular movements. Daily instillation is performed during the first week. Then the number of treatments is reduced. Over the next month, the medicine is dripped twice a week.

If the inflammation is severe, then after drying the cleaned ear, 0.5% prednisolone ointment can be applied. The drug has antisecretory and anti-edematous action. It is the main treatment for allergic otitis media in cats. Ulcerative lesions are lubricated with Otodepin or Pichtoin ointment.

Otodepin ear drops should be instilled 2 times a day. This tool should be lubricated and the entire ear. Treatment is carried out for 5-7 days. If the animal is prone to otitis, then preventive treatment should be done every day.

In the treatment of pathology associated with infection with fungi and gram-negative bacteria (chlamydia, proteus, enterobacteria), acidification of the ear surface helps with the following means:

chlorhexidine;
povidone iodide;
lactic, salicylic, boric acid;
2% solution of acetic acid, which also affects gram-positive staphylococci.

Local antifungal treatment of otitis in cats is carried out using Imidazole and Amphotericin B ointments. They are treated 1-2 times a day, the total duration of therapy lasts 10 days.

For antimicrobial treatment of the surface of the ear, it is recommended to use universal antibacterial agents: Chloramphenicol, a mixture of powders of penicillin, streptocide and synthomycin, Sofradex (2-3 drops, 3-4 times a day, duration of treatment 2-3 days).

As a general strengthening and maintenance therapy, it is advisable to use Gamavit at a dosage of 0.4 ml / kg of body weight. The remedy is recommended to be given to cats 2 times a day for 3-5 days.

Since it is difficult to establish the exact cause of otitis in cats at home, it is recommended to treat it in combination with anti-tick drugs: Bars, Amit, Otovedin, Dekta, Decor-2 and others.

If the disease does not respond to traditional methods of treatment, then the animal must be taken to the veterinarian. The specialist will prescribe antibiotics and antifungal drugs of systemic action.