Otitis Externa

What is Otitis Externa?
Otitis Externa, or better known as outer ear infection, refers to one of the most common feline medical conditions. It causes itchiness, inflammation, irritation and discomfort in the soft tissue in the outer ear canal. In fact, a recent national study indicated that nearly 7 percent of cats admitted to veterinary hospitals required medical treatment for an outer ear infection. Unlike in people, a cat’s ears are L-shaped and easily harbor debris.

How does my cat get ear infections?
There are many causes of ear infections, but in young cats, about half of the incidents of Otitis Externa are due to parasites, particularly ear mites (Otodectes cynotis). These mites live and feed inside the ear, prompting a cat to scratch intensely. Other common ones include water or excess hair in the ears, yeast or bacteria, allergic reaction, foreign bodies inside the canal and trauma. Some cats are born with rare genetic diseases, nasopharyngeal polyps or abnormal ear conformation that can lead to ear infections. Senior cats are more prone to developing Otitis Externa as a result of tumors, including squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas. Constant inflammation within the ear canal results in wax buildup and narrowing of the canal. This warm, moist environment is conducive to bacteria or yeast to multiply and worsen the infection.

How do I know if my cat has ear infections?
At home, you may notice constant scratching of the ears and shaking of the head. You can also detect redness, wax buildup and a foul smell inside the ears. In some cases, there will be visible discharge from the ears. Due to this irritation and pain, a cat may be more irritable or less receptive to attention. A veterinarian will take a medical history and perform a physical exam and diagnostic tests to properly diagnose Otitis Externa . This will include viewing the ear canal by using an otoscope for signs of swelling and redness. A sample of ear discharge will be collected and examined under a microscope for the presence of mites, bacteria or yeast. For cats suffering from recurrent ear infections, additional tests, including radiographs of the ear canal, cultures of the ear discharge, allergy testing, and a biochemical profile may be necessary.

What can I do about my cat’s ear infections?
Properly identifying the cause of the infection is the first important step in selecting the right treatment plan. It is imperative to work closely with your veterinarian. For mild to moderate ear infections, treatment includes flushing the ear canal with ear wash solutions, anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics (applied in the ear canal and/or given orally). For more severe cases, your cat may need to be sedated at the veterinary hospital for ear flushing. If the cause is due to allergies, corticosteroids may be necessary.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting ear infections?
Even though cats are generally fastidious, check the ears weekly and keep them clean to prevent ear infections. During veterinary wellness exams, make sure your veterinarian does a thorough job of evaluating the health of your cat’s ears. Your veterinarian can also guide you on how to properly give ear medications and clean the ears. Never use cotton swabs inside your cat’s ear because you risk worsening the infection or pushing the discharge deeper inside the ear canal. During those rare times you need to give your cat a bath, make sure that water does not get inside the ears.

Are there certain breeds that get ear infections more often?
Persians and Himalayans are more predisposed to inheriting ear infections than other breeds.