Is blood in a cat's ear a sign of a terrible disease?

Causes of ear disease in cats

In medicine, otitis media is most often diagnosed based on the symptoms described above. This is an infectious disease that, if not properly treated, can spread to all parts of the ear. Depending on the course, the disease can be chronic or acute. Therefore, if a cat has blood in the ear and scratched skin around it, this may be caused by the following reasons :

allergy;
the result of the activity of ear mites;
penetration of bacteria or fungi;
foreign bodies of plant or other origin;
injuries.

If the inflammatory process has spread to the middle ear, it is most often caused by a mite. Without presenting a danger in itself, through its vital activity it provokes the development of special microflora, causing pathological reactions. If a cat has increased sensitivity to them, symptoms of inflammation appear much more often.

If pus begins to flow from your cat's ears along with blood, then this is most likely the result of infection with Staphylococcus aureus. A healthy animal is naturally protected from such intrusion, so if a cat scratches its ear until it bleeds due to germs, this may be caused by a weakened immune system or a change of residence.

Also, a cat may scratch its ears until it bleeds due to hormonal imbalances. They are sometimes caused by taking certain medications. Some cat foods sometimes cause a similar effect. Additional signs of this may be other skin diseases associated with hair loss or flaking.

Prevention

Since cats' ears are often exposed to external factors, it is important to monitor their hygiene and condition. When bathing, it is better to place cotton swabs in the ear canals to prevent water from getting into them.

It only remains to add that if a cat’s ear is leaking, then this is in any case an alarming symptom. A veterinarian's consultation is required.

A cat's ears are its very weak point. Any impact on them can provoke inflammation, namely otitis media. Otitis media is essentially an inflammation of the middle ear.

What causes ear inflammation?

If a cat scratches its ears from time to time, this is not a reason for serious concern. To distinguish your pet’s normal life from illness, you need to pay attention to other signs:

There may be discharge from the ears with an unpleasant odor;
the ears smell bad;
the cat scratches near its ears until it bleeds;
the animal’s head is tilted towards the affected ear;
the cat does not allow you to touch his ears;
the pet's behavior changes.

If these signs appear, the cat owner should act immediately.

Special cases

Sometimes brown plaque in the ears of a furry pet is not a symptom of otitis media or otodectosis. Particular cases of the appearance of brown matter in a cat’s ears include: plaque in only one ear, a strong nauseating odor from the ears and increased secretion of wax.

Plaque in only one ear

If dark plaque is found in only one ear, and the cat does not refuse food, itching, apathy and redness of the skin, this is simple contamination. The problem can be solved by simply removing the brown deposits using a cotton pad soaked in cleansing lotion. The next day, you need to check for dirt in the ear. If the brown mass reappears, you should contact a specialist.

Pungent, nauseating odor from the ears

Simultaneously with the formation of brown plaque, a sharp unpleasant odor from the ears most often indicates the development of otodectosis or otitis media. In particular cases, a combination of these symptoms is observed with suppuration in the ears, head trauma, neoplasm and food allergies. A veterinarian should be involved in identifying the cause of brown plaque and unpleasant odor.

Diagnosis and treatment methods

To begin treating a sick animal, it is important to establish a diagnosis. To do this, use a visual examination of the ears for injuries, hematomas and other external damage. An otoscope is also used for diagnosis. Swabs are taken from the auricle, especially if there is blood or purulent discharge. To obtain a complete picture of the inflammatory process, a biochemical blood test may be prescribed.

To treat otitis in cats caused by mites or bacteria, drugs are prescribed that kill them. These include antibiotics and glucocorticoids. For hormonal disorders, medications are used that inhibit their further synthesis. In some cases, surgery is required to remove them.

The main thing in treating a pet is prevention. The owner should regularly clean the cat's ears with a cotton swab with hydrogen peroxide, then it becomes easier for the pet to maintain healthy ears.

Also, a cat may scratch its ears until it bleeds due to hormonal imbalances. They are sometimes caused by taking certain medications. Some cat foods sometimes cause a similar effect. Additional signs of this may be other skin diseases associated with hair loss or flaking.

Where does plaque come from: causes of occurrence

If the kitten has black ears on the inside, but the plaque does not cause discomfort to the pet, it may be the result of increased secretion of earwax. This is typical, for example, for Sphynx cats. This breed completely lacks a mechanism for self-cleaning the ear from wax. Owners need to independently monitor the condition of their pet’s ears and prevent the formation of wax plugs.

The cat's ears are bothering him

The causes of plaque in the ears, as a symptom of the disease, can be different in origin. Below are the most popular ones.

Scabies mite

Ticks of the species Notoedres cati feed on the blood and lymph of animals, living in the upper layers of the pet's skin. They cause a disease called notoedrosis, or pruritic scabies.

Notoedres cati mites cause scabies

The tick is localized in the neck and head of the animal. The disease is easily transmitted from one pet to another if treatment with antiparasitic drugs is not carried out.

restless behavior, the cat may meow;
begins to itch periodically;
hair falls out and bald spots appear;
the appearance of wounds and ulcers.

Fungal and yeast ear infections

Along with ear mites, fungal infections often occur. Sores with pus or yellow liquid appear inside the animal’s ear, which become covered with scabs after maturation and flow of the liquid. The smell of fungal plaque resembles cheese or mold.

If your animal exhibits symptoms of this disease, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

Dermatitis and eczema

Various skin reactions of the body manifest themselves as redness and swelling of the ear tissue, accompanied by a local increase in the temperature of the ear surface. Rashes, scabs and ulcers are noticeable on the ear and nearby tissues.

The animal becomes restless and begins to scratch its ears until they bleed, further injuring the skin. This can lead to infestation by mites, bacteria and fungi.

Necrosis of the auricle

As a result of mechanical damage, infection of open wounds, and the transfer of purulent inflammation from other parts of the body to the ear, necrosis occurs.

The tissues of the auricle first begin to rot and then die. Necrosis looks like a black formation in a cat's ears and is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Medial otitis media

Otitis, or ear inflammation, occurs due to mechanical damage, food allergies, parasites and foreign bodies.

With medial otitis, the ear canal becomes inflamed

There are several types of otitis media:

external - affects only the auricle;
middle, or medial - the ear canal becomes inflamed;
internal - the eardrum and inner ear become inflamed. This is the most complex form of otitis media, which often leads to brain damage and sepsis.

Exudate and an unpleasant odor are characteristic of medial otitis media. Discharge from the ear may be clear or purulent. The cat begins to shake its head and tilt it towards the sore ear, trying to get rid of a non-existent object in the ear canal.

Internal otitis is very difficult, and it is difficult to confuse it with other diseases.

Symptoms of otitis media include:

vomit;
swelling and redness of the ear canal;
increased body temperature;
refusal of food;
convulsions;
torticollis;
unpleasant odor and exudate from the ear;
epilepsy due to inflammation of the brain.

When the middle ear becomes inflamed, purulent discharge is formed, and the cat may experience problems with hearing and a sense of balance.

Otodectosis, or ear scabies

Ear mites, or otodectosis, are a common cause of blackness on the surface of the auricle. The tick loves warmth and humidity. Dark spots on your pet's ear are dead cells, dead ticks, and tick excrement.

Ear mites, or otodectosis, are a common cause of blackness on the surface of the auricle.

In addition to plaque, other symptoms may be observed: swelling and allergies, the cat begins to rub against corners and objects. After some time, a purulent mass may form in your pet's ears.

Ear diseases in cats: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Hearing is of great importance for a cat, and in importance it ranks after sight and smell. The cat's ear is designed in such a way that it can pick up the most subtle sounds that will never be audible to a person, no matter how much effort he puts into it. There is an opinion that a cat’s hearing is much more developed than that of a dog.

Without the ear, an important organ of hearing, a cat would not be a good hunter, and it would be difficult for her to survive outside the comfort of her home in the difficult conditions of the outside world. Despite the fact that the cat has been living next to humans for several millennia, it has still not lost its excellent hearing qualities.

In home, or rather apartment, conditions, when a cat does not need to keep its ears sharp in order to be able to get food for itself or hear an approaching enemy, hearing has ceased to play a big role for it in the matter of survival. But this does not mean that the owner should neglect the health of his pet’s ears and not pay attention to diseases that may bother them.

Treatment at home

You need to carefully trim the hair from the inner surface of the ear. Crusts and pus are removed with a sterile gauze swab moistened with warm boiled water, a solution of table salt (30g per 1 liter of warm water) or hydrogen peroxide.

At home, the cat’s condition will be alleviated by some folk remedies for disinfection and relief of inflammation.

To combat fungus, your pet's ears are treated with a calendula solution. Dissolve a teaspoon of alcohol tincture in ½ part of a glass of warm water.
You can treat your ears with gauze soaked in a solution of unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.

Attention! Medicines are prescribed only by the attending physician! Self-medication in this case is unacceptable! Unauthorized use of warm compresses is unacceptable! This can cause rapid bacterial growth. Traditional medicine can only be used after consultation with a doctor!

What ear diseases do cats have?

According to their origin, ear diseases can be contagious or non-contagious.

Non-contagious ear diseases include:

hematoma – accumulation of blood under the skin of the auricle;
lymphoextravasate - accumulation of lymph under the skin of the auricle;
necrosis of the auricle - necrosis of the ear cartilage;
inflammation of the outer ear - inflammation of the skin of the auricle and external auditory canal;
inflammation of the middle and inner ear - otitis media;
foreign bodies in the ear canal;
neoplasms.

If we are talking about contagious ear diseases that can be transmitted as a result of close contact of one cat with another, then these include otodectosis or ear scabies, which is caused by a microscopic mite.

List of possible causes

According to statistics, ear problems are more often diagnosed in adult cats over the age of 5 years. The reason may lie in the following pathologies:

Benign neoplasms. A very common occurrence among all breeds. The most common are polyps, which can cause inflammation in the ear canal, which leads to brown discharge with an unpleasant odor. Unfortunately, drug treatment of polyps is ineffective, so in most cases, after diagnosis (otoscopy), surgical intervention is performed. In some cases, only the auricle is left. If not removed, the polyps will increase in size and fill the entire ear canal. Due to constant injury (and it will be regular, since the pet will be tormented by itching), the sore ear will always be inflamed. If removed in a timely manner, the prognosis is favorable.
Malignant neoplasms. Occurs in animals older than 10 years. At the initial stage, a small seal appears in the ear, which may not bother the pet in any way. Further, the process can take a rapid development - rapid growth of the tumor and its manifestation. To determine the type of formation, a puncture is taken from the lesion. If there is a risk of malignancy, then an MRI is done to exclude metastasis. And only then the tumor is removed (in 90% of cases, along with the entire ear).
Otitis. An inflammatory process that occurs against the background of damage to the ear by polyps, neoplasms, ear mites or a bacterial infection. Depending on the cause of otitis media, the color of the discharge from the ears is determined. A foul odor may indicate a secondary infection, severe itching may indicate the presence of mites. Also, alarming signs are considered when a cat constantly shakes its head or tilts it to the side. Diagnosis is carried out by examining the ear canal with an otoscope for the presence of foreign bodies and neoplasms. The integrity of the eardrum is also of great importance. In severe cases, an MRI of the head may be needed. Depending on the severity and nature of otitis, effective antibiotic therapy is selected.
Otodectosis. Or ear mites, as they call it in simple language. You can catch it from another animal if your pet is not regularly treated with antiparasitic drugs. It manifests itself in the form of black discharge from the ears, an unpleasant odor and redness of the ear canal. The cat often shakes its head, as if trying to shake something out of its ears. The intense itching forces her to scratch until she bleeds. To confirm the diagnosis, be sure to take a scraping from the lesions and conduct a microscopic examination for the presence of mites. The treatment of all animals living in the house with Stronghold or Frontline received good reviews. Cleaning can be done using special lotions (Hartz, Otifri, etc.). The drug is poured into the ear and during the day the pet shakes it out along with the remaining dirt. It is not recommended to use cotton swabs.
Allergy. The most common cause of brown ear discharge in cats. This symptom can be caused by a reaction to improperly selected food or flea and tick bites. It is almost impossible to determine the cause yourself, therefore, if your pet’s ears are leaking, then contacting a veterinarian will speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of a chronic disease such as otitis media. The success of treatment will depend on identifying and eliminating the possible allergen. In some cases, changing the food will be enough.
Entry of a foreign body. An uncommon occurrence in domestic cats, but still, there are cases when the cause of purulent discharge from the ear lies in a splinter. The foreign body can be a needle from a cactus, the remnant of a claw after a quarrel with another animal, or an ordinary wooden splinter. In most cases, owners begin to notice that something is wrong when the inflammatory process has already begun and purulent discharge appears. Treating the affected areas with antiseptics will not be effective until the splinter is removed. If you can’t do this yourself, then it’s better not to delay a visit to the veterinarian, so as not to treat chronic otitis media later. In the clinic, using an otoscope, they will find a splinter, remove it, treat the wound with antiseptics and, if necessary, drain it.

Less commonly, the cause may lie in notoedrosis or vasculitis.

How to treat ear diseases in cats

Now we will dwell in more detail on the causes of the appearance of certain ear diseases, as well as on the issues of their treatment.

Hematoma is the result of mechanical impact on the auricle. Mechanical damage includes blows, ear tugging, insect bites, and scratching.

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Most often, a hematoma forms on the inner surface of the ear, somewhat less often on the outside. The ear increases in size, hangs down, there is limited, painful swelling that is hot to the touch. If left untreated for a long time, the pain only increases, and the hematoma can become infected with secondary microflora, leading to complications, for example, necrosis of the ear cartilage.

Externally, a hematoma manifests itself with the following symptoms:

the cat constantly shakes its head from side to side;
scratches the ear with its paws, damaging it even more with its claws;
anxiety and nervousness may occur;
When you try to pat the cat on the head, it shows aggression.

The treatment is not complicated. If no more than 48 hours have passed since the formation of the hematoma, then the ears are fixed with a bandage on the back of the head and cold is applied. After a day, heat and irritating ointments are used for further treatment.

If these manipulations do not lead to visible improvements, it is best to take the cat to a veterinarian who:

will open the hematoma;
remove blood clots;
wash the resulting cavity with novocaine along with antibiotics;
will give further recommendations on what the owner should do for a favorable outcome of the disease.

Lymphextravasate

Lymphatic extravasation occurs for the same reasons as a hematoma, and the symptoms are largely similar to it. The only difference is in the treatment. With this disease, the use of cold or heat is strictly contraindicated, and treatment should be carried out by a qualified specialist.

With lymphatic extravasation, the liquid must be aspirated, that is, pumped out using a syringe. A simple layman, without certain skills and dexterity for this procedure, will only harm the furry pet.

Sometimes aspiration of excess fluid does not lead to visible results, then a minor surgical intervention has to be performed in the form of a skin incision and more thorough removal of the contents of the cavity, followed by suturing.

Necrosis of the auricle

Necrosis of the auricle appears as a result of:

prolonged compression of the auricle;
during the transition of purulent processes from surrounding tissues;
infection with pathogenic microflora of lymphatic extravasates, hematomas and abscesses.

During the development of a purulent process in the area of the auricle, in the absence of proper or timely treatment, foci of inflammation are opened with the formation of areas of skin necrosis (necrosis), which lead to the appearance of large ulcers. The ear cartilage begins to be visible through the damaged areas, its blood circulation is disrupted, it becomes black in color, and an unpleasant putrid odor appears. The cartilage tissue rots, and the ear becomes completely deformed.

Treatment of necrosis is only surgical - either complete amputation of the auricle or its necrotic part is performed. The main thing is that the process should not be started so that the inflammation does not spread to the inner and middle ear.

Foreign bodies in the external auditory canal

In a cat's ear you may find:

ear wax plug;
accidentally fallen sand;
plant parts;
insect larvae, lice and other items.

Sometimes the presence of a foreign body in a cat's ear canal does not cause any concern and may go unnoticed, but more often it irritates the ear, leading to inflammation.

For treatment, the foreign body must first be removed from the ear, after which the ear canal is washed with a solution of soda or hydrogen peroxide (3%), and a few drops of camphor oil are instilled to reduce the pain reaction.

Neoplasms

The most common neoplasms in the external auditory canal are papilloma, sarcoma, and fibroma, which grow over time, leading to deafness.

The main features are:

anxiety;
ear scratching;
manege, uncoordinated movements;
lowering the head towards the affected ear.

Treatment of tumors inside the ear is only surgical.

Video version of the article:

Author of the article: Marina Chuprinina, veterinarian, specialization parasitologist-bacteriologist, especially for Kota Obormot.

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Necrosis of the auricle appears as a result of:

Bleeding from the ears: causes, how to treat

Bleeding from the ear is a dangerous symptom that occurs as a result of injury or a number of diseases. Ear bleeding signals a pathology in the body. This phenomenon is a serious reason to contact an otolaryngologist, who will determine the cause of the blood and prescribe appropriate treatment.

The special structure of the auditory analyzer and earwax, which has a bactericidal effect, protect the inner ear and brain from infection from the external environment. When exposed to unfavorable factors, sulfur loses its beneficial properties, liquefies, and ceases to protect the human body from microbes, making the ears most vulnerable.

The causes of ear bleeding are varied and very serious. Bleeding from the ear is an alarming sign that should not be ignored.

Mechanical damage

Scratches and abrasions form on the skin of the ear canal as a result of cleaning the ears with cotton swabs. This is the most common cause of ear bleeding, which is minor and ends in crusting. Dried blood must be removed. Scratches and abrasions of the ear canal heal on their own and do not require treatment or observation.
When cleaning the ear canal with a stick, it is possible to push the person under the elbow. This causes pain and blood appears on the stick. At the appointment, the doctor discovers a blood clot in the ear and an intact eardrum.
leads to minor bleeding from the ear . Cleaning the ears with improvised objects damages the ear canal, the membrane ruptures, blood is released in small quantities and quickly stops.
Skull injuries are almost always accompanied by bleeding from the ears, which is life-threatening. When the bones of the skull are fractured, the temporal region and the tympanic cavity are injured, the eardrum is ruptured, the great vessels and mucous membrane of the middle ear are damaged, and bleeding occurs. A skull fracture is a fairly rare occurrence that occurs as a result of severe trauma. The cranial bone is considered one of the strongest structures of the human body, which is associated with its main function - protecting the brain from damage. A skull fracture causes severe bleeding from the ears, which can lead to deafness. Treatment of a fracture of the base of the skull is carried out in the traumatology or neurosurgical department of a medical institution.

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When the ear is injured, ear bleeding often occurs. The impact damages the blood vessels, they rupture, and blood flows out of the ear. Ear bleeding in this case is prolonged, but not severe. It is almost impossible to stop it on your own; you need the help of a specialist.
In children, a common cause of bleeding from the ear is a foreign body - small parts of toys, coins, buttons. It is not always possible to detect these objects in a child’s ear in time. A foreign object in the ear leads to the development of inflammation and bleeding, which requires contacting a specialist.

Infectious-inflammatory pathology of the eardrum - myringitis develops as a result of infection from the external environment or the tympanic cavity. Patients are concerned about pain, intoxication, and tinnitus. If left untreated, a severe form of inflammation develops, which is accompanied by ear bleeding. In children, myringitis is manifested by the appearance of blood and blisters with serous contents.

Another etiological factor for bleeding from the ear is a boil of the external auditory canal. Injuries and abrasions on the skin are an entry point for viruses and bacteria that enter the wound and cause limited purulent inflammation of the hair follicle. With a decrease in the general resistance of the body, saprophytic and epidermal staphylococci penetrate the hair follicle and cause the development of a pathological process. A boil can reach enormous sizes and look like a giant pimple or neoplasm. In addition to local symptoms - throbbing pain and swelling in the ear, patients develop signs of general intoxication - fever, chills, weakness. After maturation, the boil bursts, pus is released along with blood, and the patient’s condition returns to normal. Only a specialist has the right to open an abscess. He makes an incision, removes purulent contents and treats the wound with antiseptics.

Ear candidiasis is an opportunistic mycosis that affects the skin and mucous membranes. The causative agent of the pathology is yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. The walls of inflamed blood vessels lose their elasticity, become thinner and break. This is how ear bleeding develops. The pathology is manifested by itching in the ears, the appearance of copious discharge, maceration of the skin and often leads to deafness. Bleeding from the ear is a severe complication of candidiasis, developing only in advanced cases in the absence of adequate treatment.

Ear bleeding sometimes occurs with acute otitis media. Usually its appearance is preceded by fever, ear pain, and purulent discharge. Blood drains from the ear along with purulent contents.

Neoplasms

A tumor in the tympanic cavity often causes bleeding from the ear. Depending on the size and location, a neoplasm can be detected with the naked eye in the ear canal. It may protrude beyond the outer ear or be located in the tympanic cavity. Patients experience ear pain, dizziness, and hearing loss.
A polyp in the ear canal is a local complication of chronic purulent otitis media that develops in the absence of timely treatment. This is a pathological growth of tissue in the ear canal that periodically bleeds. Polyps are attached to the mucous membrane using a wide base or thin stalk. Purulent and bloody discharge are symptoms of polyps in the ears. They can only be removed surgically.
Ear carcinoma is a malignant tumor growing from the epithelial cells of the middle ear. Reaching significant sizes, it puts pressure on blood vessels, which are damaged. This is how ear bleeding occurs.

Pressure change

In people with hypertension, ear bleeding is a result of high blood pressure. Patients are worried about headache, dizziness, nausea, pulsation in the head, pain in the back of the head, spots before the eyes, redness of the face. When the pressure rises sharply, blood flows from the nose and ears simultaneously. An antihypertensive drug will help normalize blood pressure. Since nosebleeds are a dangerous symptom, you must call an ambulance.
Divers are most susceptible to bleeding from the ears. This is due to a sharp dive to depth and rise to the surface. Sudden pressure surges lead to rupture of the eardrum, which is often accompanied by the appearance of bloody discharge from the ear.

Treatment for bleeding from the ears depends on the cause. To determine it, you need to contact a specialist who will examine the ear and provide qualified medical care.

At home, the patient must be seated and his head tilted down and to the side. This will allow the blood to flow out freely. It is forbidden to cover the ear canal with tampons. Once you are sure that the bleeding has stopped, you should treat the lesion with an antiseptic solution and apply a bandage. Ice will help stop ear bleeding.

Treatment for bleeding from the ears depends on the cause. To determine it, you need to contact a specialist who will examine the ear and provide qualified medical care.

Ear diseases in cats

Ear diseases in cats are dangerous if left untreated, but always go away if treated correctly. How to help an animal recover, and what medications can be used?

Ear inflammation in cats: symptoms and treatment at home

Inflammation of the ears in cats can end very sadly if it is not treated. First, deafness will occur, then inflammation will spread to the middle and inner ear, and death is possible. Therefore, for preventive purposes, you can examine your pet’s ears daily. Once a week, wipe with ear lotion to cleanse the ear canals of wax.

If there is an unpleasant odor coming from the ears, exudate is flowing or pus is released, you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Only a correct diagnosis will help quickly cure the animal. For ear mites, Bars drops are a good treatment.

Ear inflammation in a cat, how to use Bars, Rosinka

Bars ear drops based on diazinon are prescribed to pets with demodicosis. The drug has acaricidal and anti-inflammatory effects and is inexpensive (about 100 rubles). For cats, three drops of medication are placed in each ear. Repeated treatment is carried out after a week. If necessary, repeat with a break of at least five days.

Ear lotion Rosinka is used to clean wax from an animal's ears. It contains extracts of medicinal herbs and propolis. The lotion does not have a pronounced therapeutic effect and is used for hygienic purposes to prevent the development of ear inflammation. Three or five drops of lotion are placed in the animal’s ear, then wiped with a cotton swab.

Ear inflammation in Scottish cats and prevention

To prevent otitis in Scottish cats, as well as in all other breeds, it is necessary to wipe the animal’s ears dry after bathing so that no water remains in the ear canals. Once a week, you need to clean your cat's ears of wax using ear lotion and clean cotton wool.

Ear diseases in cats that cause brown discharge from the ear

Brown discharge from the ear is possible in a cat with demodicosis. The cat often shakes its head, scratches its ears, blood may ooze from the ears and an unpleasant odor may emanate.

With bacterial otitis media, brown, purulent discharge from the ear is also possible, accompanied by itching and pain when the animal scratches the ears. Treatment of diseases is different. Ear drops against ticks must have an acaricidal effect.

Ear discharge in cats due to allergies

Allergic otitis media develops very quickly. The inner surface of the ears becomes swollen, red and swollen, and becomes noticeably hot. The cat scratches its ears, tearing off the skin and causing a secondary infection. Initially, exudate is released from the diseased ears in the form of a serous fluid, then pus and ichor (a gray-brown fluid with a rotten odor).

Ear diseases in cats: ear mites

Even a domestic cat that doesn’t go anywhere can become infected with ear mites when you bring the parasite on clothes or shoes. A weakened immune system contributes to the development of the disease. Mite infection can join an existing bacterial or allergic otitis. Signs of the disease will be discharge, an unpleasant odor, and constant scratching of the animal's diseased ears.

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Ear diseases in British kittens

Pedigree British kittens, unfortunately, are prone to allergic otitis media. Autoimmune diseases develop in animals if closely related individuals are often used for breeding. Treatment of such otitis should be comprehensive. In addition to ear drops that relieve itching and inflammation, it is necessary to use antihistamines.

Ear diseases in cats due to falls

Cats falling from a great height, for example from a balcony, can become deaf due to a concussion. It is necessary to take care of animals and not leave them alone on loggia railings and window vents. Although a cat is a very dexterous and tenacious animal, it can also fall down from a great height. Then not only the ears will suffer, but the paws or spine may be broken.

Ear odor in cats: causes and treatment at home

A common cause of foul odor in a cat's ears is otitis media. It may be bacterial or allergic. Fungi and mites (ringworm and scabies, respectively) also cause inflammation of the ears.

To find out the cause of the disease, it is necessary to take swabs from the ears at a veterinary clinic. When the inflammation is eliminated, the unpleasant odor will go away. If it is not possible to visit a clinic, buy complex drops at a pharmacy and apply to your cat for a week according to the instructions. If the symptoms do not go away, you will still have to visit a doctor.

To prevent otitis in Scottish cats, as well as in all other breeds, it is necessary to wipe the animal’s ears dry after bathing so that no water remains in the ear canals. Once a week, you need to clean your cat's ears of wax using ear lotion and clean cotton wool.

How to help a cat with otitis media?

Cat ears are a delicate and sensitive organ. What if otitis media still occurs in cats? How to diagnose the disease and what treatment to prepare yourself and your cat for? Today we are talking about these problems.

What is otitis media?

Otitis is an inflammatory process in the ear. The ear of cats, as well as that of humans, consists of outer, middle and inner sections. And the inflammatory process can occur in each of these departments. The most common option with the highest probability of successful treatment is inflammation of the outer ear.

Worse, if your cat has been diagnosed with otitis media, it develops due to perforation of the eardrum and occurs against the background of long-term external otitis. It takes longer to treat and is more likely to have complications and negative consequences. The saddest outcome can be with otitis of the inner ear, here there is a high probability of complete hearing loss for the animal.

There are many reasons that can cause otitis in cats; they are usually divided into primary and secondary. Primary causes are those that directly cause the disease, and secondary causes can complicate the course of otitis media, but cannot cause it on their own.

Parasites are recognized as the most common cause of inflammation in the ear canals of cats. Up to 90% of otitis in the outer ear is associated precisely with the activity of parasites: fleas, ixodid or subcutaneous ticks. The activity of such organisms creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and inflammation. If left untreated, inflammation from the outer ear quickly moves to the middle ear.

Lack of daily protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins

Allergic reactions. Food, atopic, and animal bite allergies are usually accompanied by severe itching, including in the ear area. Scratching areas create excellent soil for the development of bacterial

Source

Ear diseases in cats: symptoms and treatment

Ear diseases in cats occur quite often. Moreover, even those cats that do not have free access to the street are not immune from them. The symptoms of most ear diseases are similar, but they occur for different reasons. Some of them can be cured at home, using medications recommended by a veterinarian, but in severe cases, urgent surgical intervention is required.

If characteristic symptoms of ear diseases are detected, the pet must be urgently taken to a veterinary clinic to clarify the diagnosis, since if not treated in a timely manner, the animal may become deaf.

When ear diseases occur, the cat begins to:

constantly tilt your head to the side;
shake your head nervously;
twitch your ears sharply, as if trying to shake off drops of water;
scratch the ear frequently and harshly with the hind paw;
rubbing your head on the carpet or upholstered furniture;
scratch your ears until they bleed;
lose orientation in space.

When the owner tries to stroke the cat’s head, the pet also begins to dodge and hide, since touching the ear hurts even more. If such symptoms are detected, the owner should carefully examine the cat’s ears from the inside. If there are tiny ulcers, redness, dark plaque, swelling inside, or brown liquid is flowing from the ears and smells bad, then your pet needs to be taken to a veterinarian immediately. In this case, one or both ears are affected, and when you press on the base of the auricle, you can hear a squelching sound.

It is prohibited to independently use various drops, ointments and lotions to treat ear diseases. The symptoms of the diseases are similar and only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. You can treat your pet at home only after an examination at a veterinary clinic and with products recommended by a qualified specialist.

Ear diseases in cats are divided into several types:

1. Otodectosis (ear scabies). The disease occurs due to damage to the pet's ears by tiny ear mites and is transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one. The parasite penetrates the skin and begins to feed on blood. A brownish sticky coating forms in the pet's ears, which is the waste products of mites. The disease develops first on the outer ear and then moves inside. Without timely treatment, the cat develops otitis media.
2. Otitis. The disease is an inflammatory process that occurs not only due to untreated otodectosis, but also when water or a foreign body enters the cat's ear. The causes of otitis media can be drafts, ear injuries and tumors. When a disease occurs, the cat’s body temperature rises and he refuses to eat.
3. Ulcers. Ulcers form on the inside of the ear due to a fungal infection. Numerous tiny bubbles appear in the ear and after scratching they begin to burst. Liquid leaks out of them, causing irritation, and the pet begins to scratch the sore ear even more. Over time, the inside of the ear becomes completely covered with a weeping crust. Before going to the veterinary hospital, the owner must blot the sores with a dry sterile cloth and sprinkle them with streptocide.
4. Dermatitis. When this disease occurs, ulcers form in the cat's ear, but they appear due to an allergic reaction to food, medications or chemicals. If the allergen is identified and the cat is protected from it, the dermatitis will go away on its own, but it is advisable to treat the resulting ulcers with streptocide powder until they dry out.
5. Hematomas. Hematomas form due to injury to the auricle. They appear in cats after a fight with other animals and visually look like a bruise with bruising. The temperature in the affected area rises, and bloody fluid is present inside the tumor. If no more than 2 days have passed since the ear injury, then at home the owner can apply a cold compress to it. After the swelling subsides, the cold compress should be replaced with a warm one.
6. Lymphoextravasate. A swelling forms in the pet's ear, as with a hematoma, but lymph accumulates inside it. This disease cannot be treated at home without consulting a doctor, and since it is extremely difficult to visually distinguish a hematoma from lymphatic extravasation, it is better not to resort to treatment with compresses until an accurate diagnosis is made.
7. Abscess. Another ailment similar to a hematoma, in which pus accumulates in the swelling. It is not recommended to treat it without consulting a veterinarian.
8. Necrosis. Necrosis appears when the ear is injured or due to an untreated hematoma or abscess. In the affected part of the auricle, blood circulation is disrupted, and the tissue begins to die. The part that has died has to be removed during surgery in the clinic.
9. Neoplasms. Neoplasms include a variety of tumors, polyps and fibromas. Only a veterinarian can detect their presence.

A foreign object can also get into your pet's ear. You should not try to remove it at home and you should entrust this procedure to a veterinarian. If it is not removed urgently, severe inflammation will occur in the sore ear.

At a veterinary hospital, a specialist will conduct an examination and, when making an accurate diagnosis, determine the treatment method. It is extremely important to choose the right drug treatment, since the wrong drug can deprive your cat of hearing.

If otodectosis is detected, it is recommended to clean the cat’s ears with a special lotion in order to remove the discharge. For further treatment, the veterinarian will prescribe the use of medicinal drops (Bars, Dekta), which must be instilled into the cat’s ears, after cleaning them. Before instillation, you should study the instructions and follow them. The ear mite will die after a week, and the symptoms of otodectosis will no longer bother the cat.

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For otitis, a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is necessary. It is prohibited to clean the ears with cotton swabs during otitis media. To get rid of otitis media, drops such as Serco or Anandin are used.

Treatment of lymphatic extravasation, necrosis and hematomas is carried out only in a veterinary hospital, and the doctor removes the contents from the ear using a syringe. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is required. During the operation, the veterinarian opens the swelling and cleans the ear. For further treatment, a course of antibiotic therapy may be indicated.

Ear diseases in cats are divided into several types:

Every owner wants their pet to be healthy and cheerful, but sometimes the cat starts shaking its head and scratching its ears. Such symptoms cause diseases of the ear. How to help your pet? Let's look at the most common ear diseases in cats.

why does a cat bleed

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(others can give advice in a PM, indicating that the advice is not given by a veterinarian. But the forum is not responsible for THESE advice.)

If your kitten's ear is bleeding

Any wound can become a source of infection, so any cut needs to be treated. First, stop the bleeding, and then lubricate the wound with hydrogen peroxide. If necessary, apply a bandage.

If the bleeding began due to damage to the capillaries, then it is insignificant, and the blood is dark. If the arteries are damaged, the blood flows profusely and is bright red in color.

With minor wounds to the ear, the bleeding stops on its own. Sometimes a bandage may be necessary, and an ice pack may be placed on top.

Damage to the ear canal occurs due to blows and fights. Signs can be different: laceration, swelling, hemorrhage. The cat shakes its head, its ear, and scratches it.

First aid is to stop the bleeding with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, if necessary, apply a bandage. After this, take your pet to the veterinarian. Veterinary care includes additional wound care and, if necessary, suturing. Prescribes a course of antibiotic treatment to prevent the development of complications.

There are good ear drops for cats. If the wound is not serious, then you can use them. These drops are usually oily and do not fizz in the ear like peroxide, so the pet will not try to scratch the wound.

The cat's ear is leaking

Cats' ears are often subject to various negative influences. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor their condition. But what should you do if your cat’s ear is leaking? With what it can be connected?

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Can a cat's ear leak if she is in good health? Normally, there should be no fluid in the hearing organs and not

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What are the types of ear diseases in cats?

There are many ear diseases that occur in cats.

Ear diseases can be caused by mites and parasites. Hematomas appear after injuries, and inflammation is usually accompanied by otitis media, infection and other ear diseases. There are the following groups of ear diseases in cats:

otodectosis (scabies mite) - caused by ear mites, which parasitize in the ear canal and in the inner area of the ear, the disease is very contagious;
dermatitis or eczema;
diseases of the inner and outer ear - this group includes otitis media, hypothermia, infections, wax plugs, etc.;
tumors and neoplasms;
necrosis of the auricle;
hematomas and lymphatic extravasations - appear after injuries.

Hematoma and lymphatic extravasation

They occur after mechanical damage to the auricle and ear canal. Hematomas and lymphatic extravasations often appear after fights. They are a swelling filled with blood (in the first case) or lymph (in the second). Usually the hematoma and lymphatic extravasation are eliminated surgically.

Scabies mite

This disease is caused by Nothoedres ticks. The main symptom is severe itching and irritation. The disease is diagnosed by scraping the affected area.

Photo. Ear mites in cats

Dermatitis and eczema

With dermatitis, the auricle turns red and a rash appears. The cat suffers from severe itching and begins to scratch its ears, which only worsens the situation. With dermatitis, hair falls out from the damaged area. The cause of this disease is most often an allergy.

Photo. Dermatitis in a cat

Necrosis of the auricle

Necrosis appears as a result of infection of hematomas, as well as after prolonged squeezing of the ear. Blood circulation in the cartilage is disrupted, the tissue begins to die, turn black and rot. Necrosis is treated surgically by removing the entire ear or only the damaged part.

Neoplasms in the auricle

Ear neoplasms include polyps, fibromas, papillomas, sarcomas and tumors. They often grow and lead to deafness. With neoplasms, the cat’s gait becomes uncertain and uncoordinated. This disease is treated surgically.

Bleeding from the ear - causes

Bleeding from the ear is a serious reason for which you simply need to contact an ENT specialist. Bleeding from the ear can be caused by various reasons; only a specialist can determine them. Almost all ear discharge, including blood, requires emergency medical attention.

damage to the auricle, ear canal. Damage (scratches or wounds) may be caused by a foreign object. This is exactly the reason why you can do without the help of a doctor, but only if the injury was not serious. In this case, the bleeding that appears can be stopped by yourself;

the appearance of polyps in the ear. After the mucous membrane begins to grow, it protrudes above the surface, resulting in pus with an odor. Hearing becomes weak;

damage to the eardrum due to a foreign body that remains inside the ear. Because of this, the bleeding will not be severe, but not only pain in the ear may appear, but also dizziness, headache, and vision problems;

Blood from the ear can also be caused by a glomus tumor, which is a benign tumor. It is formed in the bulb of the jugular vein. When it begins to increase, its growth is directed towards the tympanic cavity, closer to the ear canal. As a result, bleeding from the ear appears, and it can be profuse. Tinnitus also begins to appear, hearing begins to deteriorate;

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the appearance of a boil. (a boil is an inflammation of the hair follicle). Its appearance is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. At the very beginning, pain appears in the ear, which is accompanied by swelling. The skin around the ear becomes reddish and swollen. As a result, fever and headache appear. After the boil opens, from

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Diseases of the outer and inner ear

Inner ear diseases in cats are difficult to diagnose

The most common are diseases of the inner and outer ear. The first group includes any neoplasms and polyps deep in the ears . Diseases of the inner ear are difficult to diagnose; radiography and cytology are used for this, and in some cases surgery is used.

Diseases of the external ear are more common. These include:

parasitic otitis - caused by microscopic mites, very quickly transmitted to other cats, diagnosed by scraping from the affected area;
bacterial otitis - the causes of this disease are viruses and fungi, the doctor examines the purulent discharge and makes a diagnosis;
foreign bodies – after small objects enter the ear canal, inflammation may begin, which quickly resolves after foreign bodies are removed from the ear;
ear canal tumors - this disease is more common in older animals; tumors usually appear after infections and are diagnosed using a biopsy.

How and with what to treat?

Based on the symptoms of otitis media in cats and research results, the doctor prescribes treatment.

For local treatment of otitis media, acaricidal ear drops for cats (Acaromectin, Bars, Anandin+), anti-inflammatory drugs (Aurican, Otonazole), healing ointments (Levomikol, Iruksovitin) are used.
Allergic otitis media is treated with antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil), and corticosteroids are prescribed if necessary. It is necessary to eliminate the cause of the allergy and transfer the sick animal to a therapeutic diet.
Fungal otitis media in cats is treated with antimycotic ointments (1% Econazole, Panolog, Clotrimazole, Salicylic, Nystatin) and drops (Tolnaftate).
To treat purulent inflammation, ear rinsing is required in a veterinary clinic. Often this pathology requires surgical intervention. Next, to treat the animal, drops for otitis media for cats (Otospectrin, Amitrazin+, Otibiovet) are used. Antibacterial treatment is carried out in the form of injections with drugs from the penicillin or cephalosporin group.
The ears are cleaned with antiseptic lotions (Rosinka, Otifri) or disinfecting solutions (Chlorhexidine, Miramistin).
Lidocaine and Loxicom are used for pain relief

Lidocaine

Common symptoms of ear diseases

Although each ear disease has its own symptoms, they can be recognized through common symptoms. These include:

discharge from the ear (from light purulent to black and loose);
severe itching: the cat scratches the ear, constantly rubs its head on the furniture;
bad odor from the ear;
ulcers, sores, redness and rashes are observed;
the animal shakes its head and ears;
in advanced cases, when pressing on the auricle, you can hear a squelching sound.

What could a cat be sick with?

In some cases, the cause of plaque in the ears is ear mites. Parasites live in the ear and external meatus, causing inflammation. A cat can pick up ticks through contact with other pets or while outdoors. When otodectosis occurs, dark discharge forms in a cat's ears; in severe cases, plaque accumulates on the outer part of the ear.

It is easy to know that a cat is infected with ear mites by the following symptoms:

The pet behaves restlessly, shakes its head and tries to scratch its ears;
There is an unpleasant odor;
There is something squelching in my ears;
There are scratches or even wounds;
There is a brown coating in the ear that resembles coffee grounds;

Otitis externa is another reason why brown dirt appears in a cat's ears . In this case, redness or swelling of the ear canal occurs. The cat becomes irritable or, on the contrary, becomes depressed. When the ears are touched, the animal experiences pain. In the case of external otitis, the pet sometimes shakes its head or tilts the sore ear towards the floor. A brown plaque with an unpleasant odor appears in the middle of the ear.

When an infection gets into the ear canal or the eardrum is damaged by a foreign object, otitis media sometimes occurs. The disease is much more dangerous than the external form of otitis. You can find out about inflammation of the middle or inner ear by purulent discharge from the ear cavity. Another sign of the disease is the appearance of problems with balance, gait or jumping in the cat.

Bacteria and yeast can cause ear infections. In the presence of favorable factors (moisture, disturbances in the functioning of the body), bacteria quickly multiply and cause discomfort in the pet. It is possible to identify the presence of pathology by the cat’s behavior. The animal behaves restlessly. Ear infections can be caused by hormonal imbalances, allergies, or genetic diseases.

How to treat ear diseases in cats?

For treatment you can use Bars drops

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to conduct an examination and find out what kind of disease the cat is suffering from. If you choose the wrong drug, you can deprive the animal of hearing, so diagnosis is very important.

If your cat is infested with mites, first clean the outer ear with lotion and remove any secretions. Veterinary drops Bars, Otibiovin, Dekta and others are used for treatment. Place them in the affected ear after cleaning it as directed.

To treat otitis in cats, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and in advanced cases, surgery are used. If you have this disease, you should not clean your ears with cotton swabs. For the treatment of otitis, Anandin, Serco and Otoferonol drops are used.

Hematomas, neoplasms and necrosis should only be treated by a veterinarian through surgery. If a foreign body gets into the ear, it should be removed immediately so as not to cause severe inflammation.

Preventive measures

Preventing ear diseases is not difficult. It is enough to regularly inspect the ear cavity for mites, foreign objects and plaque. Do not forget that a small amount of brown discharge may be present in your pet’s ears - this is considered normal.

In the case when, in addition to the brown plaque, the pet is also bothered by other symptoms that cause him discomfort, you should be more careful. If there is an unpleasant odor coming from the auricle and the hearing organ looks unhealthy, this is a reason to take the cat to the veterinarian.

Drops are very helpful in fighting ear infections. Before using the medicine, it is important to clarify the correct dosage of the drug and treatment regimen. If you first study the instructions on the package, it will not be difficult to make the treatment effective. When applying the drops, you must be careful when handling your cat's ears. First, the ear should be slightly bent and drops should be dripped into the lower area of the ear canal. It is recommended to massage the base of the ear to help the medicine spread throughout the canal. After all the manipulations, you should treat your pet with a treat.

Prevention of ear diseases

To prevent ear diseases in cats, this is their cleaning.

The main prevention of ear diseases in cats is their regular cleaning with the help of special lotions and preparations. To make this procedure quick and painless, use the following algorithm:

prepare all the tools in advance;
calm the cat and gently wrap it in a strong towel or robe;
bend the ear and drop the required amount of lotion inside;
press the ear tip and gently massage the base of the ear;
after the massage, remove the lotion and possible contamination with a soft cotton swab or a piece of sterile gauze;
Praise the animal and treat it with its favorite treat.

Other causes of plaque

If something brown appears in a cat's ears, this does not always indicate that the pet is sick. Such plaque may be ordinary sulfur plugs. It is necessary to examine the cat's ear cavity once a week, and also clean the ears once every two weeks to combat dirt. It will not be difficult to cope with such a task, armed with ordinary ear sticks.

Ear cleaning is best done by adhering to the following rules:

First of all, you need to wrap your pet in a towel so that he does not scratch during the procedure. It is best to talk to the cat during the cleaning process, so the pet will calm down faster;
Use cotton swabs, napkins and olive oil. When cleaning the ear cavity, you must be as careful as possible so as not to damage the integrity of the eardrum;
If the wax plugs have already dried out, then you need to dip a cotton swab in a small amount of olive oil and then lubricate the inside of the ear. At the final stage, it is recommended to wipe the ears with a napkin.

Chlorhexidine can be used as a disinfectant solution.

Diagnosis of internal otitis

At first, the symptoms of internal otitis are no different from the inflammatory processes localized in the outer and middle ear of the cat. However, when the internal part is damaged, hyperemia of the skin inside the auricle, nystagmus of the eye and paralysis of the facial nerve are observed.

If inflammation affects the brain, the animal's motor coordination deteriorates. In this case, epileptic seizures may develop. To clarify the diagnosis, the veterinarian additionally prescribes blood biochemistry.

In addition, the specialist examines the eardrum using an otoscope. Internal otitis is often accompanied by its rupture or perforation.

Disease symptoms and diagnosis

Otitis may not be the only symptom that worries your pet. In parallel with ear inflammation, other symptoms may occur that depress and cause discomfort to the patient. If your cat's ear is infected, pay attention to his behavior, attitude towards food and his favorite toys. As a rule, the animal’s cheerfulness will fade and he will talk with all his appearance about the need for hospitalization. Accompanying symptoms of otitis media in cats include:

redness of the skin inside the ear;
sores;
swelling;
unpleasant odor;
lack of appetite;
apathy;
the cat often shakes its head;
irritability;
increased body temperature;
painful reaction to ironing in the head area.

During the diagnostic process, after the initial examination, the doctor will most likely order laboratory tests. This may be a scraping from the inside of the ear or a chemical analysis of purulent discharge. Additionally, temperature may be measured and urine and blood samples may be taken. This is done in case of blood poisoning or other internal troubles.

Those pets who have difficulty withstanding trips to the veterinarian can first be given Antistress drops in accordance with the instructions. They will make the process of visiting a doctor more comfortable for both the cat and its owners.