host posted on May 13, 2011 13:59
Ear mites are tiny white parasites that live in the ear canals of dogs and cats. These mites are highly contagious and frequently infest whole litters of puppies and kittens. If more than one dog or cat is present in the home, and one is found to be infected, then all should be treated for ear mites.
Severe ear infections may develop as a result of injury to the ear canal by the mites. A dark, crusty material is found in the affected ear canal. Head shaking and ear scratching are common signs. In many cases, the ears require a thorough cleaning before treatment. An anesthetic may be necessary in severe cases to allow complete cleaning. The mites can crawl to other parts of your pet’s body. Therefore, a topical insecticide may be prescribed, depending upon your pet’s age, state of health and severity of the disease. Several topical medications are available to treat ear mites. The one selected depends on the age of the animals and how many need to be treated.