How to deal with pimples and acne in cats

Ear diseases in cats

Ear diseases in cats can be non-contagious or contagious in origin.
The most common non-contagious ear diseases in cats include:

Inflammation of the middle and inner ear - otitis media.
Inflammation of the external ear is an inflammation of the skin of the auricle and external auditory canal.
Hematoma is an accumulation of blood under the skin of the ear.
Lymphoextravasate is an accumulation of lymph under the skin of the auricle.
Auricular necrosis is the death of the ear cartilage.
Foreign bodies in the ear canal.
Neoplasms.

Ear diseases and home treatment methods

Some problems can be dealt with at home by first consulting a veterinarian.

Ear fungus

If the infection is localized to the skin, medicated shampoos are prescribed to soothe the skin and eliminate odors. Antifungal medications are also prescribed to reduce the amount of fungus and bacteria. Medicinal ointment with insecticides is effective.

The fungus affects not only the inner, but also the outer part of the ear

In severe cases, the doctor will prescribe steroid injections, depending on the cat's condition.

Necrosis of the auricle

The lesions are characterized by thick crusts and plaques that can collapse or form again. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections aggravate the condition. In some cases, it goes away spontaneously, but only after 12–24 months. Therapy with topical tacrolimus or oral cyclosporine at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day is effective.

Dermatitis and eczema

In some cats, the inner, hairless part of the ear becomes inflamed and irritated after using certain ointments or medications. This inflammation, called contact dermatitis, can develop 1 to 7 days after the reaction begins. The skin of the abalone becomes red and swollen, and crusts or ulcers appear.

Cool baths, medicated shampoos and conditioners, and calming sprays can help your pet. Mild allergies are treated with antihistamines or omega-3 fatty acids.

Hematomas and abscesses

You need to carefully cut off as much hair as possible from the painful area in order to better see the size of the wound. Then clean and apply hydrogen peroxide to the wound to disinfect.

Important! Do not use alcohol or antibiotic ointments for an abscess. The alcohol burns, but she will lick the ointment.

Scabies mite (otodectosis)

With this disease, the cat's ears become wet. Signs of ear mites include excessive skin scratching, head shaking, a strong odor, and dark discharge. Before using the medicine, you need to rinse and clear the black waxy deposits and dirt from the ear canal. Drug treatment usually uses topical drops containing a pyrethrin insecticide.

Ticks not only cause discomfort, but also carry infections.

Apple cider vinegar is allowed to be used as a natural remedy. You need to mix it with warm water and treat the wounds for several days.

Inflammation of the middle and inner ear

Sometimes the middle and inner parts of the ear become infected. This occurs either because the outer ear infection has moved deeper into the ear or because the bacteria has spread through the bloodstream or eustachian tube. If a cat has wet ears inside, this is the first symptom.

Important! For first aid, homemade antiseptics are used: furatsilin, peroxide, boric acid.

Yeast fungus (Malassezia) in the ears

Malassezia is part of the normal flora of the skin, ears, and mouth. Has a symbiotic relationship with staphylococcus. Topical therapy usually focuses on the use of shampoo, however there is a newer product (Douxo Chlorhexidine PS with alpazole).

The systemic drug of choice for cats is itraconazole 3–5 mg/kg orally once daily for 15–30 days. Typically, dramatic improvement occurs within 7-10 days.

Ear hematoma in cats

Hematoma in cats occurs as a result of mechanical damage to the auricle - blows, bites from other cats, insects, scratching.
With a hematoma, blood flows from the blood vessels of the auricle into the tissue under significant pressure, pushing these tissues apart and forming a cavity. The size of the hematoma depends on the strength of blood pressure in the damaged vessel, as well as on the degree of compliance of the tissues located near it.

A hematoma occurs quickly and its volume increases until the pressure from the stretched tissue becomes equal to the pressure in the damaged blood vessel. After this, the spilled blood clots, and a blood clot forms in the blood vessel.

Most often, hematomas in cats occur on the inner surface of the ear and much less often on the outside. The damaged ear increases in size, hangs down, and the swelling is painful and hot to the touch. If the hematoma is not treated, the pain only increases, and the hematoma itself can become infected with secondary microflora, which can ultimately lead to necrosis of the ear cartilage.

During a clinical examination of such a cat, a veterinarian notes the following symptoms:

We observe anxiety and nervousness in the cat.
The cat almost constantly shakes its head from side to side.
He constantly scratches his damaged ear with his paws.
When trying to stroke the cat's head, it becomes aggressive.

Treatment. Treatment of auricular hematoma is not very difficult. If no more than 48 hours have passed since the formation of the ear hematoma, then the cat owner fixes the ears with a bandage on the back of the head and applies cold. In the future, in order to resolve the hematoma, it is necessary to use heat and apply locally irritating ointments.

If the hematoma cannot be cured at home, the owner needs to contact the nearest veterinary clinic. In a veterinary clinic, the veterinarian will open the resulting hematoma, remove blood clots from it, wash the resulting cavity with a solution of novocaine with antibiotics and give recommendations to the owner so that the hematoma resolves safely.

Preventive measures

The best way to prevent a painful ear infection is to have your pet checked and examined regularly.

Tips for a cat owner:

Minimize the amount of time your cat (especially if she is white or lightly pigmented) is exposed to direct sunlight, for example by sitting in a window.
Keeping the area clean will help prevent the spread of ear mites and other potentially infectious agents.
Check your pet regularly for infections, swelling, and discharge.
Consult a veterinarian when the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Fortunately, ear diseases in cats are easy to treat with proper diagnosis and prompt treatment. It’s worth asking your veterinarian to show you exactly how to check and clean your four-legged friend’s ears. Healthy ears are pale pink, with no visible debris or odor, with minimal or no ear wax. Keeping your skin dry will help prevent infections.

Having discovered tubercles on a cat’s ears, what to treat is a logical question. Before starting therapy, the cause of the appearance of bumps on the animal’s skin should be determined. Many dermatological diseases are accompanied by similar formations in the layers of the epidermis. A correct diagnosis can only be made in a specialized veterinary institution.

Lymphatic extravasation of the auricle in cats

Lymphatic extravasation is an accumulation of lymph in a cavity formed as a result of tissue dissection and rupture of lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic extravasation of the auricle in a cat occurs for the same reasons as a hematoma.

It develops slowly in a cat and is characterized by the development of a contouring swelling in the ear area; there is no local increase in temperature.

The diagnosis is made by clinical signs. To clarify the diagnosis, a puncture of the resulting swelling is performed.

Treatment. With this disease, unlike a hematoma, it is strictly forbidden to use cold or heat. In case of this disease, the owner must contact a veterinary clinic. Where the drained lymph will be aspirated using a syringe. If this procedure does not lead to the desired results, then the veterinarian resorts to surgery, which boils down to making a skin incision and more thoroughly removing the contents of the cavity and applying small sutures.

Necrosis of the auricle

Necrosis of the auricle in a cat can occur as a result of:

Transfer of purulent processes from surrounding tissues to the auricle.
With prolonged squeezing of the auricle.
Infection of hematomas, lymphatic extravasates with pathogenic microflora and with an abscess in the ear area.

When a purulent process develops in the area of the auricle and in the absence of proper and necessary treatment, the resulting abscess opens, forming areas of skin necrosis (necrosis), resulting in ulcers appearing on the auricle.

During a clinical examination, the ear cartilage begins to be visible through the areas of damage, and its blood circulation is disrupted. The cartilage itself becomes black in color and emits an unpleasant putrid odor. With necrosis, the cartilage tissue rots, and the ear becomes deformed.

Treatment. Treatment of auricular necrosis should be carried out in a veterinary clinic. A veterinary specialist performs either a complete amputation of the auricle or a necrotic part of it, followed by a course of treatment with antibiotics.

Main features

Pimples can be single or multiple; they look like a small bump above the skin. Sometimes they are quite difficult to see under the fur. The skin at the site where the pimple appears is hyperemic.

Acne most often appears on a cat's lips and chin. These are multiple black rashes (acne). Sometimes they are confused with waste products of endoparasites or dirt. Over time, pathogenic microflora joins the process, the skin on the chin becomes red and itchy. The animal begins to scratch its chin, causing wounds to itself.

Foreign body in the external auditory canal

Foreign bodies can get parts of plants, insect larvae, sand, lice into the ear canal, wax plugs and other objects can form.

Sometimes the presence of a foreign body in a cat’s ear does not cause any concern and may go unnoticed by the animal’s owners. Most often, a foreign body causes irritation and inflammation in the external auditory canal.

Treatment. Treatment should be aimed at removing the foreign body from the ear. After removing it, the ear canal is washed with a solution of soda or a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. In order to reduce the cat's pain reaction, it is necessary to drop a few drops of camphor oil into the ear canal.

Treatment

First you need to carefully examine the animal's ears and try to understand what happened and what is bothering him. Making a correct diagnosis and identifying the cause of ear diseases in a cat is a sure way to a quick cure without unpleasant consequences. If it is a small wound, the owner can cope with the disease himself. But in more serious cases, only a doctor will help.

Veterinary pharmacies have a number of drugs with different spectrums of action that help in the treatment of various ear diseases in cats. Remember an important point: cleaning your ears with cotton swabs is strictly prohibited . All discharge and dirt from the auricle are removed only with cotton pads.

Abscesses, hematomas, necrosis, tumors must be shown to a doctor who will decide on treatment of the disease and surgical intervention.

If any tiny thing or foreign body gets into the ear canal, it is also removed in the clinic. If left for a long time, it can cause an inflammatory process. Treating your cat's ears should not be delayed.

Neoplasms in the external auditory canal

In cats, the most common neoplasms in the external auditory canal are sarcoma, fibroma and papilloma. As they grow, they cause the cat to become deaf.

If a cat has neoplasms, the main signs are:

The cat's head is lowered towards the affected ear.
We note uncoordinated and manege movements in the cat.

Treatment. Treatment of tumors in the external auditory canal is only surgical, which must be carried out in a veterinary clinic.

Preventive actions

Prevention of ear diseases involves careful and regular care of your cat's ears.

Inspect and clean your external ear canals regularly.
Avoid getting water into your ears when swimming.
Observe the timing of antiparasitic treatment.
Use a flea and tick collar.
Do not allow your animal to walk on its own.
Do not neglect veterinary preventive examinations.
Do not allow the animal to stay in direct sunlight or in the cold for long periods of time.
Avoid drafts.
Castrate and sterilize your pet to reduce the likelihood of fights during the heat period.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and cannot replace a full consultation with a veterinarian.

Video:

Dermatitis and eczema of the ears

With dermatitis, the cat's ear turns red and a rash appears on the skin. A sick cat begins to scratch its ears due to severe itching, increasing the symptoms of dermatitis. With dermatitis, hair begins to fall out from the damaged area of the skin. Food allergies cause dermatitis in cats. Streptococcosis (Streptococcosis of dogs and cats) can lead to dermatitis.

Parasitic otitis.

Parasitic otitis in cats occurs with otodectosis and notoedrosis (Otodectosis in cats, notoedrosis (pruritic scabies).

Subcutaneous mite: types of pathogen

Sarcoptes scabiei lays eggs in the thickness of a cat's skin. Most often, the appearance of thickenings and tubercles in the upper layers of animal skin is caused by numerous parasitic microorganisms that live in the epidermis. Every owner of a furry beauty should know what a subcutaneous mite is in cats. As a rule, several parasitic species are hidden under this name:

Demodex folliculorum (causative agent of demodicosis);

Sarcoptes scabiei (cause of sarcoptic mange);

Notoedrosis (causes notoedrosis);

Cheyletiella (the causative agent of cheyletiellosis);

Trombiculidae (cause thrombiculosis).

The most common skin disease caused by parasitism of a microorganism in the hair follicle is demodicosis. It is believed that the pathogen lives in the epidermis constantly, feeding on excess sebum, and becomes pathogenic only under certain conditions. Decreased immunity, internal diseases of organs, hormonal imbalance, and stress lead to the fact that the symbiosis of a microorganism turns into parasitism. This disease is common in humans and dogs. Demodectic mange is relatively rare in cats.

Demodex folliculorum (causative agent of demodicosis)

Sarcoptic mange is not much different from demodectic mange. The pathogen Sarcoptes scabiei lives in the skin of an animal for years without causing concern. The clinical picture of sarcoptic mange is more pronounced: deep damage to the epidermis, ulcers, and fistulas are observed.

Sarcoptes scabiei (cause of sarcoptic mange)

Notoedrosis is dangerous for cats. The causative agent of the disease is characterized by its large size compared to previous parasites and is highly resistant in the environment. The tick poses a danger not only to the cat, but also to other inhabitants of the house and to humans.

Notoedrosis (causes notoedrosis)
Cheyletilleosis (stray dandruff) most often affects young individuals with a weak immune system. The pathogen, moving through the thickness of the skin, makes it lumpy.

Less common in cats is a skin disease such as thrombiculosis, which is also dangerous for humans. The pathology is characterized by seasonal manifestations - from spring to autumn.

Otitis in cats

Otitis in cats can be due to inflammation of the outer, middle and inner ear.

Causes of otitis. The cause of otitis in cats can be food allergies, the presence of parasites (ticks, fleas), ear injuries, foreign bodies, etc. Otitis of the middle and inner ear can be the result of complications of inflammation of the outer ear.

Signs of otitis media . During a clinical examination of a sick cat, the skin of the sore ear is reddened, the cat rubs the sore ear with its paw, and tries to keep the sore ear folded and pressed to its head. If the pain in the ear is acute, “shooting,” the cat suddenly jumps up, looks around in fear, and screams. With constant pain, the cat does not allow the sore ear to be touched, avoids stroking the head, and presses the sore ear to its bedding.

With purulent otitis media, inflammatory exudate is released from the cat's ear; when touched, the ear gurgles and squelches. An unpleasant odor emanates from the diseased ear.

In advanced cases, in the absence of proper treatment, the cat’s body temperature rises, the cat becomes depressed, and there is no appetite. If timely treatment measures are not taken, the eardrum may be perforated, and the inflammatory process may spread to the brain.

Treatment. Treatment of otitis media depends on the severity and severity of the inflammatory process in the ear. In the initial stage, the cat is prescribed special drops (Bars), Stop-Itching spray, antibacterial drugs (tylosin, etc.)

Prevention of otitis. Prevention of otitis in cats should be based on compliance with the rules of care and maintenance of cats. To help keep your pet healthy:

Timely cleansing of the ear canal from accumulated wax. To do this, the pharmacy chain has recently recommended using a special lotion - “Dewdrop for the ears”, which is used to remove wax and inflammatory products from the auricle and external auditory canal.
When bathing your cat, be careful not to let water get into its ears.
Avoid keeping your cat in damp and cool areas to prevent hypothermia.
In order to prevent infection with ear mites, try to avoid contact with stray cats.

Periodically disinfect and decontaminate the cat's place of residence and cat care items.

How to treat acne in a cat?

If your cat does not have a lot of acne on his chin and nose, then it is possible to eliminate them without resorting to medications. To do this, you need to make sure that your pet’s diet is composed correctly, and that the bowl is of sufficient size and made of metal or glass, since improper diet and harmful material of the dishes can also cause the appearance of black spots.

A small number of points can be removed without medication

It must be remembered that drinking water should be changed at least once a day. Fatty foods should be excluded from your pet's diet, or their amount should be reduced to a minimum, as they are the most conducive to the appearance of sebum.

In order to strengthen the immunity of a cat with acne, you need to increase the content of vitamins and microelements in its diet. After your pet has eaten, its chin should be thoroughly wiped and an antiseptic applied. At the same time, squeezing out black grains is strictly prohibited. This action may promote the development of bacteria in damaged areas.

If following the rules of hygiene does not help, then you need to understand that drug treatment is a rather lengthy process. Antiseptics are usually used as skin cleansers, for example, chlorhexidine, miramistin or salicylic acid in the form of an alcohol tincture. Anti-dandruff shampoo will help remove excess oil from the surface of the skin, and calendula tincture can relieve inflammation and itching.

Some means for disinfecting acne areas

However, if there are a lot of blackheads and the affected areas of skin are extensive, it is better to consult a veterinarian for a full examination, tests and scraping. By identifying the main cause of the disease, the doctor will be able to select the most suitable remedy that will eliminate not only the consequences of acne, but also the cause of its occurrence.

Have you managed to cure your cat's acne?

Otitis in a cat: symptoms and treatment

Having a pet is not only a great joy, but also a great responsibility, because a kitten is not a toy, but a living being that needs attention and care. When an animal gets sick, it largely depends on the owner how quickly the recovery will be - the owner must be able to recognize the symptoms in time and not delay a visit to the veterinarian. Ear problems are one of the most common pathologies in cats. Otitis is an inflammatory process that can be caused by various reasons.

Causes of otitis media in cats

The hearing organ of representatives of the cat family consists of three sections:

The cat's ear consists of three sections - outer, middle and inner.

Depending on the part in which the inflammatory process occurs, otitis media are classified. External or otitis media, if detected early and treated correctly, can be cured quite quickly. Deep, or otitis of the inner ear, is considered one of the most dangerous pathologies, which is fraught with serious consequences and complications.

An animal of any age can get otitis media. The reasons leading to the occurrence and development of the disease can be different:

Parasites. The vital activity of fleas and ticks leads to the development of otitis media quite often. The inflammatory process begins in the outer ear and, if left untreated, quickly moves deeper.
Allergy. Allergic otitis media can be caused by taking some food or medication. The itching that accompanies the disease forces the animal to constantly scratch problem areas. The resulting microtraumas become breeding grounds for bacteria.
New growths or ingress of foreign objects. A tumor or any object lodged in the ear prevents the release of wax and also irritates the internal receptors. The resulting itching makes the pet feel restless and constantly scratch, which provokes inflammation.
Injuries. Scratches and other microtraumas not treated with antiseptics and wound-healing preparations can provoke inflammation.
Fungi. Otitis media can develop against the background of fungal infections of the skin.
Low level of immunity. If the body is not sufficiently protected, any disease or injury can trigger inflammation.
Hypothermia or water ingress. Drafts and moisture can cause serious harm to the health of the animal. Water that gets inside the ear becomes an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Hypothermia weakens the body's defenses, as a result of which it cannot fight pathogenic microflora, which contributes to the development of inflammation.
Hormonal imbalances. Any deviation in hormone levels can trigger the development of otitis media.
Autoimmune pathologies. In the presence of such a disease, the immune system mistakes the animal's native tissues as foreign and tries to get rid of them. Against this background, inflammation develops.
Insufficient hygiene. Some animals produce excess earwax. Untimely removal of it contributes to the accumulation and development of pathogenic flora.

Other reasons

The reason that a cat has tubercles on the ears, roughness and bumpiness of the skin is not always a subcutaneous mite. Similar signs may be observed in a pet in the following cases:

Milliary dermatitis. The disease manifests itself as a scattering of nodules and bumps under the skin. The causes of milliary dermatitis are multiple: allergies to medications, food, skin parasites, infectious diseases, immune disorders.

Pyoderma is a bacterial skin pathology characterized by the formation of ulcers.

Eczema. It is often seasonal in nature, being a chronic inflammatory process.

Insect bites can also cause bumps and skin lesions.

Clinical symptoms of skin diseases are very diverse. For differential diagnosis, laboratory, microscopic and allergic research methods are used. Therefore, if you find bumps, roughness and other skin pathologies in your pet, you must visit a veterinary clinic.

Representatives of the cat family are prone to skin diseases. The reasons for their appearance may be infections, injuries, allergies, and other factors. If a pimple appears behind your cat's ear, you need to contact your veterinarian for treatment recommendations.

Symptoms of various types of otitis media

Otitis externa is understood as an inflammatory process that occurs directly in the auricle. It only slightly affects the ear canal. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the inflammation will spread to deeper parts. It is not difficult to notice that your pet has ear problems, because the pathology has a number of characteristic signs:

the animal shows restlessness and scratches its ears;
the cat's ears become red;
There is discharge from the ear canal - exudate.

With otitis of the external and middle ear, the inner surface of the pet's ear becomes red and swollen

In the absence of treatment for the external type of the disease, otitis media can affect the deeper parts of the ear and become purulent . Purulent otitis media can develop not only as a result of complications from the external type of the disease, but also when affected by parasites, microbes or yeast infections. It is characterized by discharge from the ear (yellow, gray or black) with an unpleasant odor, swelling of the ears and an increase in general body temperature.

Otitis media in a cat is accompanied by the following symptoms:

the ears swell and become hot;
the cat almost continuously scratches its ears, which become covered with sores at the scratching site;
the animal often shakes its head or sits with its head bowed to its shoulder;
discharge from the ears intensifies and has an extremely unpleasant odor;
When the ears are touched, the animal may show aggression because it is in pain.

With internal otitis, the ears themselves are less affected - only in rare cases can there be slight redness and increased temperature in problem areas. The animal constantly touches the ears, rubs them, shakes its head or sits with its head bowed to one side.

In the absence of timely treatment for internal otitis, the cat begins to lose hearing, loses coordination and often vomits . If the inflammatory process has affected the facial nerve, then you can observe sagging of the eyelid and lip on the side of the affected ear. The animal begins to experience difficulty swallowing and drinking.

Some symptoms of otitis media may indicate the cause of the inflammation:

if swelling and itching are observed not only in the ears, but also in other parts of the body, then the disease is caused by an allergy;
if there are scabs in the ear, and the discharge is brown or black, then the inflammation is caused by the activity of parasites;
if the discharge is yellow, green or brown, then the animal is infected with a fungus.

On the left is a photo of a cat’s ear with parasitic otitis, in the center - with allergic otitis, on the right - with fungal otitis

Symptoms of infection

Clinical signs of a subcutaneous tick in a pet are as follows:

itching, restlessness, constant scratching and licking of the fur;

untidy appearance of the coat: disheveled, disheveled, the coat hangs in “icicles” and loses its natural shine;

tubercles and skin irregularities are felt on the ears, muzzle and other parts of the body;

Dried crusts, peeling, and dandruff are observed at the site of scratching;

growths and fluid discharge (ichor) are observed on the skin;

bald spots, bald spots, areas of baldness;

the animal becomes lethargic and its appetite decreases.

The defeat of a pet by subcutaneous mites occurs in two forms: localized (local) and generalized (general). In the first case, foci of infection are observed on the head, muzzle and ears. If the lesion is global in nature, then the paws, back and sides of the animal are included in the pathological process.

Diagnosis of the disease

If contacted in a timely manner, the specialist makes a diagnosis based on the owner’s observations, general examination and otoscopy. With a mild form of the pathology, this is enough to establish the cause and prescribe appropriate medications.

Otoscopy is an examination of the ear canal using a special device. The study allows you to find out whether the eardrum is intact, whether there are foreign bodies in the ear, or determine the presence of a tumor.

Otoscopy is performed after anesthesia.

Otoscopy is an examination of the animal's ear using a special device.

If the middle ear is affected, a cytological smear is necessary to determine the true causes of inflammation. If demodicosis is suspected, trichoscopy can be performed - examination of hairs and particles of the epidermis. In very advanced cases, video-otoscopy, radiography or MRI may be required. The last type of research is more informative.

Treatment of otitis media

Treatment of otitis in pets can be carried out independently, but only after examination by a specialist and the drugs prescribed by him. Incorrect therapy can lead to complications or the disease becoming chronic.

Drug therapy

The specialist usually prescribes medications to relieve symptoms, as well as specific remedies to eliminate the cause of the inflammation. For the preparatory procedure—cleaning the auricle before treatment—the veterinarian also prescribes special medications.

Symptomatic treatment is carried out by the following means:

To clean the auricle, you can use a swab generously soaked in a solution of furatsilin or boric acid.
For external treatment of wounds formed after scratching, use brilliant green or hydrogen peroxide.
Levomekol or Sanatol ointments are used as external healing agents.
The drugs Otipax or Otinum will help relieve pain, eliminate inflammation and itching. They can be used up to 4 times a day, but not more than 10 days.

Photo gallery: medications for the symptomatic treatment of otitis media

Depending on the causes of inflammation, the following types of medications are prescribed:

Combined. Used if otitis is of a parasitic, fungal or bacterial nature. They are used in accordance with the instructions. The course of treatment usually lasts no more than 7–10 days. These drugs include: Otospectrin;
Oricin;
Tresaderm;
Otidez with propolis.

Antiparasitic. The following drugs have an acaricidal effect:

Otoferonol Gold;

Dekta;

Amitrazine.

Antifungal. Effective drugs are considered:

Econazole;

Amphotericin;

Flucytosine.

Antimicrobials and antibiotics. If otitis media is caused by a bacterial infection, the following will help:

Amoxicillin (injections);

Ceftriaxone (injections);

Sofradex (drops);

Anandin (drops);

Polyseptin (drops).

Photo gallery: drugs for the specific treatment of otitis in cats

Treatment of otitis with antibiotics is prohibited if the pathology is fungal in nature.

For allergic otitis media, complex therapy using anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antihistamine and antimicrobial drugs is usually prescribed. In order to get rid of the pathology, you need to eliminate the cause that caused the allergic reaction.

Treatment of the disease

Having heard a diagnosis from a veterinarian, the owner usually wants to know how to treat subcutaneous mites in cats. Treatment of the disease is complex. Not only specific acaricidal drugs will be required, but also immunomodulators and antibiotics. In advanced cases, patience and perseverance are required from the owner, as the healing process can take months.

Treatment of the disease begins with the following procedures:

adjust the diet, ensuring its completeness and balance in essential nutrients and vitamins;

treat the animal against helminths and fleas, since their presence in the body aggravates the parasitic manifestations of the subcutaneous tick;

strictly observe the conditions of keeping animals, treat care items and bedding with disinfectant solutions;

in case of a generalized form of the disease, the animal can be cut and then washed with special shampoos.

There are several effective drugs that will answer the question of how to treat subcutaneous mites in a cat:

Locally, for treating affected skin: sulfur, aversectin ointment, Saphroderm ointment, Ivermect gel, etc. To remove scabs and crusts, you can also use disinfectant solutions, for example, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, stomasan solution, etc. External treatment is conveniently carried out with special medicinal sprays: “Acaromectin”, “Ivermectin”, “Cidema”, etc. They can also use drops on the withers - “Advocate”, “Stronghold” (course treatment for at least 2 months). If an animal has thrombiculosis, topical application of Thiabendazole drops has a good effect. After cleansing the skin of crusts and scabs, the affected areas are treated with oily solutions: “Mycodemocid”, “Tsipam”, “Ectodex”, “Amit”. Wrapping a cat with sea buckthorn, linseed, and olive oil until completely absorbed is also effective.

In advanced cases, acaricidal drugs are used in the form of injections: “Amirtrazina”, “Baymeka”, “Novomeka”. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian, as the products are toxic.

How to treat subcutaneous mites in cats if the disease is complicated by a bacterial infection? In this case, the veterinarian will prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Therapy for subcutaneous mites also involves the use of immunomodulators: “Gamavit”, “Gala-vet”, “Immunol”, “Maksidin”, “Immunoparasitan”. Vitamin and mineral supplements will speed up your pet's recovery.

The effectiveness of the therapy should be monitored using laboratory methods, with regular scrapings done in a veterinary clinic. A complete cure is considered when two negative results are achieved. If there are other animals living in the house, they should be shown to a veterinarian.

Prevention of otitis

To prevent otitis in cats, you need to follow the usual rules of keeping:

regularly inspect the ears and promptly clean them from accumulations of wax and dirt;
protect the animal from hypothermia and water getting into the ear canal;
regularly treat parasites and ensure that the pet does not come into contact with street animals;
Monitor your pet’s diet to prevent the development of an allergic reaction to any product.

It is not recommended to use a cotton swab for preventive ear cleaning. It is better to use special pharmaceutical products for this.

Video: how to clean a cat's ears

Otitis in pets is dangerous precisely because of its complications. If treatment is untimely or incorrect, the owner risks not only the health, but sometimes the life of the animal. Only a specialist can prescribe adequate therapy after examination.

Causes, symptoms and treatment of otitis media in cats

Inflammation of the ears or otitis leads to irreparable consequences: deafness, damage to the meninges.

It is important to take your cat to the doctor when initial symptoms appear. Treatment consists of eliminating the root cause and relieving inflammation. Preventive measures help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

a brief description of

The cat's ear consists of 3 sections: outer, middle, inner.

The classification and severity of the disease depends on the location of the inflammation:

Otitis externa affects the visible part of the ear canal and the pinna. The disease is not difficult to eliminate, but if left untreated, the pathology spreads deeper.
Otitis media develops in the area behind the eardrum. This form is more difficult to cope with; the disease resolves without complications with early diagnosis and proper therapy.
Deep affects the internal department, the vestibular apparatus. This form is more difficult to treat and more often than others causes complications. In advanced cases, inflammation spreads to the membranes of the brain.

Otitis occurs in both chronic and acute forms, and can be both unilateral and bilateral.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Otitis media occurs as a consequence of a number of pathologies, these include:

Ectoparasites . According to veterinary statistics, half of inflammation of the external meatus occurs due to ear and subcutaneous mites or fleas. Insects mechanically injure the epidermis, their waste products irritate and cause an allergic reaction. The cat begins to itch, and pathogenic microbes penetrate into the wounds after scratching.
Bacterial and viral infections. Local inflammation of the ear begins against the background of general damage to the body by the pathogen. Bacterial otitis often develops due to hypothermia and water getting into the ears.
Pathogenic fungi. They destroy and irritate the epidermis; after scratching, a bacterial infection attaches to the affected areas and inflammation develops.
Injuries . Carelessly treated wounds become a breeding ground for harmful microflora.
Foreign bodies and neoplasms . Obstacles prevent the free release of sulfur; it accumulates and irritates nerve receptors. The cat gets worried, scratches the ear, leaves scratches, and as a result inflammation begins. Excessive growth of hair in the ear canal gives a similar reaction.
Allergies to food, medications, detergents and more . Any negative reaction of the body is accompanied by itching; dangerous microbes spread at the site of scratching.
Poor hygiene. In some individuals, sulfur is produced in increased quantities; if it is not removed, plugs and inflammations form. Excessively thorough or improper cleaning of the ears also provokes otitis, because the protective film is broken or during the cleaning process, the wax is pushed deeper and completely clogs the ear canal.

Causes of acne

The skin of an animal has sebaceous glands, and there are more of them where there is less hair. These glands produce a special secretion (sebum or sebum). But sometimes too much is added or the consistency changes towards thickening. This leads to blockage of the gland duct and the formation of an inflamed area of skin.

If the secretion accumulates under the skin and the surrounding tissues become inflamed due to the proliferation of bacteria, this is called a closed comedon. If sebum comes to the surface, oxidizes and blocks the duct of the sebaceous gland, a blackhead (blackhead or open comedon) is formed.

Acne is a complex disease associated with inflammation of the hair follicles. Accompanied by acne with elements of both types and hyperemia at the site of the rash. In cats, they most often appear on the chin, a little less often on the ears and neck, and even less often in the tail area. The location of the rash is determined by the location of the sebaceous glands. In cats, most glands of this type are located on the eyelids and chin; there are quite a lot of them along the back in the area of the tail and foreskin.

The causes of the development of the disease (acne is a rather serious disease) can be external and internal, related to the functioning of internal organs and sebaceous glands.

The cause of acne on the chin may be the genetic characteristics of the animal. The sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Considering that the chin constantly gets dirty when eating and drinking, and the cat cannot lick it thoroughly, it is not surprising that in the place where a large number of sebaceous glands are located, blockage of their ducts and inflammation are possible.

Stress

Emotions themselves do not affect the formation of pimples and blackheads. But they cause disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system, hormonal and immune. And these changes already lead to the appearance of comedones on the animal’s face.

Excessively fatty foods, low-quality dry food, improper distribution of food with mixed food lead to disruption of the stomach and intestines, and this causes the appearance of inflamed tubercles (pimples) and acne.

But even with proper feeding, if there are diseases of the stomach and intestines, you will have to select an individual diet for the animal. Because acne can still form.

We suggest you read: What does a cat's plug look like before giving birth?

When the production of sex hormones is disrupted, people develop acne. There is an assumption that this is also possible for our four-legged brothers.

If, under the influence of negative factors, nonspecific immunity decreases, this allows microorganisms that previously lived on the cat’s skin in small numbers to actively multiply. This leads to the appearance of inflammatory bumps - acne.

When wearing cheap or low-quality flea collars, as a result of constant friction and the appearance of micro-wounds, bacteria easily penetrate the tissue, which leads to the appearance of acne. Due to irritation from cheap or unsuitable material, the epidermis becomes thinner, and pathogenic microflora easily penetrates into its layers and actively multiplies there. This leads to the appearance of pimples on the animal's neck.

Illiterate care

With poor care, pimples most often appear in the cat's ear area. Care can be either insufficient or excessive. Bathing an animal too often with shampoo destroys microorganisms that live on the skin in symbiosis with the host’s body. And pathogenic bacteria feel comfortable.

Microclimate

If the room where the animal is kept is too humid and hot, then acne can appear even in a healthy cat. Especially if the animal is active and plays a lot.

Many diseases, especially severe ones, require the use of steroid hormones. Acne appears almost immediately after starting medication.