Ear mites are microscopic parasites that infest the ears of dogs and cats. It is called by its scientific name as Otodectes cynotis. They resemble ticks in appearance. Infestation results in the production of dry, black ear discharges.
The mite lives on the surface of the ear canal where the female lays eggs which then hatches into a larva and then molts into a “protonymph” and then molts again into a “deutonymph.” The duetonymph mates with an adult male and then finally molts into an adult mite.
Figure 1. Picture of Otodectes cynotis as seen under the microscope from www.marvistavet.com
Diagnosis is done by examining the ear discharge under the microscope for the presence of the mites. The mites are so infectious that dogs and cats can get them easily through physical contact with an infected animal. Severe infestation can cause ear infection and skin lesions on the face and head.
Treatment is done through the use of topical ear drops like Tresaderm®. This product contains an antibiotic for bacterial infections, cortisone for inflammation and thiabendazole for the yeasts and mites. This drug also kills the developing eggs. The course of treatment is 10 to 14 days. A newer product, Revolution® is also an effective treatment for this parasite. It is a liquid drug that is applied once a month on the base of the neck in between the shoulder blades. Keep in mind, however, that the affected ear or ears should first be cleaned thoroughly before application of any drug.
Figure 2. Revolution® packaging from 1800petmeds.com
Unconventional treatment includes the use of ivermectin injection (Ivomec® 1% Injection). Like in sarcoptic mange, one to four doses of ivermectin two weeks apart are effective in curing the disease.
Figure 3. Ivomec® packaging from www.marvistavet.com
There are also single use products for cats which are very effective like Acarexx® and MilbeMite®. The first one is a topical preparation of ivermectin and the second is a topical preparation of milbemycin oxime, the active ingredient of Interceptor® and Sentinel®.
Figure 4. Acarexx® packaging from www.marvistavet.com
Figure 5. MilbeMite® packaging from www.marvistavet.com
Tags: acarexx, deutonymph, ear mites, milbemite, otodectes cynotis, protonymph