Feline ear infections are usually easy to treat, but if they are not treated properly and promptly, the infection may become chronic, causing more problems for your cat in the long run. Knowing the signs and symptoms of ear infections will allow pet owners to obtain the prompt treatment ear infections need.
Cats who have ear infections may shake their heads a lot, have red and/or inflamed ears, scratch their ears, foul odor coming from the ear or ears or have a yellowing or black discharge coming out of the ear. Some pet owners may mistake these symptoms for ear mites because they have similar symptoms to those of ear infections. And some pet owners may also, with the best intention, treat their cats with ear mite solutions you can find at pet and department stores. But, these tend to lead to more problems than they solve.
Rather than attempt to diagnose and treat your cat yourself, take your cat to your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms. Vets can offer proper treatment for ear conditions, whether the problem is ear mites or an ear infection.
Otitis extrema, an infection in the cat’s ear canal, is most often caused by bacteria or yeast, but it can also be caused by ear wax buildup, impaired ear drainage, matted or thick hair in the ear canal, debris in the ear, or a secondary infection to another infection the cat has. Otitis media, a middle ear infection, often occurs when an infection of the ear canal spread to the middle ear.
Several treatment options are available to your cat if he or she has an ear infection. Of course, treatment will depend on whether the eardrum has been ruptured as well as the cause of the ear infection. For instance, if your cat has a bacterial ear infection, your vet may treat it with corticosteroids such as Tresaderm, Synotic, or Panalog or with antibiotics such as Oflaxacin, Ticarcillin, or Enrofloxacin. There are several corticosteroids and antibiotics that should not be given to cats with ruptured eardrums. Trust your veterinarian to treating your cat with the proper medications for your cat’s condition. In no way am I qualified to tell you which medications should be prescribed for your cat.
Be aware that cats can be allergic to topical antibiotics. One of the most common allergies is to Neomycin. If you notice your cat’s ear or ears getting worse rather than better, call your vet for further instructions.
Regular cleaning of the ears will help to prevent feline ear infections. Your vet will gladly tell you how to safely clean your cat’s ears.
Recognizing when your cat is ill will allow you to get him or her the proper treatment before the illness becomes severe and/or chronic.
