There is much misinformation around
about ear mite and ear problems in dogs/cats. This sheet attempts to
outline to the reader what ear mite is, the cycle of complications associated
with Ear Mite, and the other problems that can be misinterpreted as ear mite.
What is Ear-Mite/Canker?
The ear mite, properly called Otodectes Cyanotis (Latin for “Picker of the
Ear”) is a tiny white infectious organism barely seen with the naked eye.
The mite generally lives on the surface of the ear canal, but sometimes migrates
out onto the face & head of the pet. It lives its entire life on
the host and takes about 3 weeks to develop from egg to adult. They
can live for sometime off the host which allows them to easily transfer from
pet to pet irrespective of species hence they are very contagious.
They are most commonly seen in cats but can be a significant cause of ear
infections in dogs.
Ear-Mite and its Host
Greater than 50% of cats, dogs and foxes are carriers of ear mite.
Mostly the mite is not noticed and causes no problems but some animals seem
to have an intolerance to it and this is when the cycle of complications
occur.
That is excessive irritation leading to damaged ear tissue, secondary bacterial
and fungal infections causing much stress and discomfort for the pet.
The ear mite lives in the ear feeding on the ear wax and generally irritating
the ear which in turn causes the lining of the ear canal to secrete serum
(the clear part of blood). The wax, serum and mite excrement and debris
combine to form the thick black gooey and crusty substance that whilst it
is mostly exuded by the ear can close off the ear canal.
The Complications
These wet, weeping ears become infected by skin bacteria which thrive in
this warm, moist environment (especially in flop eared dogs). This in
turn attracts yeast spores which germinate and cause a yeast infection that
gives off a distinctive fungal smell. The ear problem thus has four
main components, ear mite, bacterial infection, fungal (yeast) infection and
damaged ear canal tissue. The first three need to be addressed in order
to give the damaged tissue a chance to heal (in bad cases this might need
some sort of intervention by a vet). Mostly the vets attack it by using
an ear cleaner, topical antibiotics and oral antibiotics. Whilst the
ear mite by itself is easy to eradicate the complications that usually arise
can be problematical.
Other Causes of Ear Problems
Not all ear problems are caused by ear mite! Among other causes are
foreign bodies (very common especially at the time of year when grasses are
seeding), allergies, tumours in the ear canal, drug sensitivities, thyroid
disease, diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome and many more.
Allergies
Humans have certain cells in their lungs and throughout their bodies that
release inflammatory and irritant substances such as histamines (ask any asthmatic
what happens when these chemicals are released in the
lungs - a typical allergic reaction occurs usually associated with wheezing,
tightness of chest etc.).
In dogs these cells are also found throughout the body but particularly
in the ear. The sorts of allergies that can cause problems include
flea allergies, bacterial allergies, inhalant allergies, food allergies etc.
Whilst all of these can cause ear reactions the most usual causes are the
inhalant allergies to things like moulds, yeasts and pollen. The irritating
and inflammatory chemicals released in the ear then cause overproduction of
wax and the secretion of other substances. The infection cycle then
begins. So allergies in the dog often are seen to produce the typical ear
problem symptoms outlined in the first section.
Yeast Infections
Whilst these organisms are rarely the cause of ear infections, the conditions
in an infected ear attract them which in turn leads to a yeast infection that
makes the ear even more painful and gives it that distinctive smell.
Summary
Whilst ear mite is the fundamental cause of a lot of ear problems in pets
it is far from the only cause and the symptoms can be similar for several
different root problems as the infection cycle is ultimately the same.
So unless there is a recurring cycle that the owner knows is caused by mites
it is worth having the ear checked by a veterinarian to ensure it isn’t through
some other unrelated cause such as tumour, foreign body etc which would require
a different treatment programme.
[Products
useful for ear problems caused through ear-mite are: TEP ear powder, and Quistel
Ear Cleaner
reprinted
with kind permission from Harry
http://www.tep-for-pets.com
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is
not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a
diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation
of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
