Each animal has characteristics that help it function in the different environments it inhabits. Cats, in addition to excellent vision, have an acute hearing capacity. However, the hearing and the ears can suffer various conditions, impairing this ability and endangering the he alth of the feline.
In this article on our site we will talk about the most common diseases in cats' ears. Keep reading!
Cat ear diseases: otitis
It is an inflammation of the epithelium, inner tissue of the ear that is responsible for protecting the hearing organ from external microorganisms, as well as for secreting substances. Otitis is a very painful common disease in cats' ears that can cause temporary hearing loss.
Its causes are diverse, from mites andbacteria to fungi or foreign bodies that have entered the ear cavity, among others. If your cat suffers from otitis, he will scratch frequently, shake his head and complain with constant meowing. The most common treatment for otitis in cats is antibiotics , so the veterinarian will prescribe the most appropriate depending on the cause of the disease.
Diseases in the ears of cats: feline notoedric mange
This type of mange affects both the ears and other parts of the feline's body. It is caused by the Notoedres cati mite, which nests in the cat's skin, especially on the head.
Notohedral mange causes intense irritation of the ears, causing the cat to scratch very frequently, in addition toredness, restlessness and even wounds from scratching continuously. Topical treatment is the most common for these cases, although the use of pipettes, shampoo, or injectable medications is also recommended.
Cat ear diseases: dermatophytosis
dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, is a disease caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that normally affects the head, legs and ears of cats. It is very common in young felines, especially those less than a year old and those with long fur.
Among the symptoms of this common cat ear disease, the most notable is pruritus , as well as bare spots and circular lesions on the affected body parts. Although the disease can disappear spontaneously, it is highly contagious for both animals and people, so it is recommended to attack it as soon as possible. As a treatment, ointments or creams are applied, in addition to oral medicines in the most serious cases. See the article "Ringworm in cats - Contagion and treatment" for further information.
Cat ear diseases: solar dermatitis
It is a disease caused by constant and prolonged exposure to the sun It appears in cats whose melanin levels in the fur are reduced, revealing in a light color. Solar dermatitis is characterized by the appearance of crusts and ulcers,scaly skin on the ears , so if your cat has crusty ears and wounds, this may be the cause. In extreme cases, tumors may appear. In addition, it causes pain and itch , so the cat will scratch frequently, reaching hurt yourself.
As a treatment, it is recommended to immediately suspend exposure to the sun and apply creams and ointments to the affected areas. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Cat ear diseases: pemphigus foliaceus
This is an autoimmune disease that attacks the feline's head, especially its ears. An autoimmune disease is one in which the body of the affected animal destroys itself, since it does not differentiate between good and bad cells.
If your cat suffers from this disease, it will present pustules, soresy fur loss, plus itching, discomfort , lethargy and fever It is very difficult to treat and It can cause death if not treated in time. The treatment includes from the application of ointments in the affected areas, accompanied by corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biological therapies, antibiotics, among other methods.
Cat ear diseases: discoid lupus erymatosus
Like pemphigus foliaceus, it is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin, concentrating mainly on the head, where it affects to the nose, eyes and ears.
It is possible to detect it due to the injuries it causes, as it leaves open wounds, in addition to the loss of color in the affected area. Also seen are hair loss and ulcers There is no treatment that completely eliminates the disease, so the veterinarian will focus on reducing conditions and symptoms. In general, immunosuppressants, antibiotics and topical treatments are used to reduce the ailments suffered by the feline.
Cat ear diseases: otohematoma
It is a disease that affects the auditory pavilions of the feline's ears. It can be caused by sudden shakes of the animal's head or by scratching very vigorously, with which blood accumulates in the pavilions, which end up inflamed. There are two treatments: the application of anti-inflammatories and surgery.
General recommendations to take care of the cat's ears
It is extremely important to take proper care of the cat's ears, as this prevents the appearance of these diseases. To do this, we recommend you perform a periodic review of the outer part of the ears to detect any infection, inflammation, foreign secretions or even objects that may have penetrated the cavity.
For cleanings, it is best to go to the vet, he will administer them without risk of damaging your cat's ear canal. However, in the article "Clean a cat's ears step by step" you will find a basic guide. Of course, never apply medications without medical supervision, or spray water or any other liquid in your cat's ears without the recommendation of a specialist. Keep in mind that many of the common cat ear diseases described are serious and some even have no treatment, so prevention is the key.
