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 For
your cat pet to enjoy time with you, she must always be in good health. Like
you, if the pets are feeling pain they are unable to feel the mood of having
fun!
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| Clean, odor-free, pale pink color
and a minimal accumulation of wax are indications of healthy ears.
Check your pet's ears regularly. |
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Signs
of Ear Disease
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Unpleasant odor |
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Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear and head |
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Sensitivity to touch, often resulting from pain |
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Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side |
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Black or yellowish discharge |
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Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal |
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Changes in behavior like listlessness, depression or irritability |
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Accumulation of dark brown wax |
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Loss of balance or hearing and disorientation |
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Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grinds |
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Causes
of Ear Disease
Otitis Externa
Infection of the external
ear canal and otitis media, infection of the middle ear, are usually
caused by bacteria or yeast. Other possibilities include debris
or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. When seeking treatment,
act quickly. If your cat has an ear infection, he or she will be
in considerable discomfort. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections
while antifungals are administered for yeast. Ear infection can
also be indicative of other problems such as allergies, hormonal
abnormalities or hereditary diseases. Your veterinarian will determine
this during your visit and suggest the best course of action.
Ear Mites are common parasites that are highly
contagious, often contracted from pet to pet. Excessive itching
is the most common sign. Ear mites create dark, crumbly debris that
look like coffee grinds.
Hematoma of the Ear Flap means blood has accumulated
in the ear flap (pinna). Vigorous head shaking, scratching or trauma
to the ear area result in damage to the blood vessels, often set off
by infection, mites, fleas or debris.
Deafness usually brought on by age, trauma,
loud noise or infection, can also be hereditary or congenital. Unfortunately,
once diagnosed with clinical deafness, it is a lifelong condition.
Prevention
Ear cleaning solution used on an
appropriate basis can be helpful in maintaining your cat's ears healthy.
How
to Administer Ear Drops or Ointment to Cats
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Clean the external ear thoroughly with a moistened cotton
ball using a veterinary recommended solution. Read the label
instructions carefully for correct dosage. |
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Gently pull the ear flap over the head, squeeze out the
desired amount and apply it to the lowest part of the ear
canal. |
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Gently massage the ear area to help work the
medication deeper into the ear canal. If there is enough
medication in the ear, you will just begin to hear a 'squishing'
noise as you massage. |
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