Treating Cat Middle or Inner Ear Infections: Effective

Section 1: Understanding Cat Middle and Inner Ear Infections

1. The most common cause of otitis media, or middle ear infection, in cats is bacteria. A variety of bacteria have been identified in middle and inner ear infections.

2. Fungi and yeast are common causes of outer ear infections, though they are less frequent in the middle and inner ear. Malassezia, Aspergillus, and Candida are some fungi and yeasts involved in ear infections.

3. The most common parasite is the ear mite, which is often associated with feline middle and inner ear infections.

4. Foreign objects typically affect only one ear. Plant awns or grass awns are typical culprits, but other objects like cat fleas, small insects, or grass can also lead to middle and inner ear inflammation.

5. Trauma is not a common cause, as the middle and inner ear are wellprotected by bony coverage.

6. Polyps can originate in the middle ear, pass through the eardrum, and be visible in the outer ear canal.

7. Various types of cancer have been found in the middle and inner ear. Squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, and lymphoma are most common in the middle ear, while neurofibrosarcoma and meningioma may occur in the inner ear.

Section 2: InDepth Information on Diagnosing Cat Middle and Inner Ear Infections

Diagnosis of otitis media or inner ear infections can be completed through physical examination results. Sometimes, if the pet is too painful, sedation or anesthesia may be required for a thorough ear examination.

Since most middle and inner ear infections are a progression from outer ear infections, a significant amount of flushing and cleaning of the outer ear canal is often necessary before middle ear examination.

Some polyps can be diagnosed through examination. Polyps may start in the middle ear, pass through the eardrum, and be visible in the outer ear canal.

If the eardrum is bulging, it may need to be pierced or perforated to collect and analyze the fluid within the middle ear. This procedure is called a myringotomy and is performed under anesthesia.

The fluid from the middle ear is collected and analyzed. Cultures of the fluid can detect bacteria. Cytological examination (microscopic examination of the fluid and secretions) can detect fungi, yeast, parasites, or cancer cells.

Section 3: InDepth Information on Treating Cat Middle and Inner Ear Infections

Once the cause of the otitis media or inner ear infection is determined, treatment can begin, which may include:

1. If the eardrum is not perforated, it may need to be pierced to alleviate pain and pressure, and to drain accumulated fluid. Once the eardrum is perforated, the middle ear can be flushed. After surgery, about 50% of patients will heal the eardrum.

2. Oral antibiotics are typically used for 36 weeks.

3. Ear medications are used only when absolutely necessary. Using ear medications with an incomplete eardrum can lead to permanent hearing loss or signs of inner ear infection (dizziness, head tilt, vomiting) if the eardrum is not intact.

4. If there is no improvement, surgery is the next option. There are various surgical methods for treating middle and inner ear infections, and the severity of the infection will determine the chosen treatment method.

5. Lateral ear ablation. If the main issue is insufficient drying of the outer ear canal, this surgery can be performed. Chronic outer ear infections can lead to middle ear infections. By removing a portion of the outer ear canal, the remaining canal becomes wider and easier to dry, reducing outer ear canal infections and, consequently, middle ear infections. Pets typically do not lose hearing due to this surgery (on the contrary, pets may already be deaf due to chronic infection).

6. Transverse bulla osteotomy. This process involves making an incision on one side of the ear base to enter the middle ear and penetrate the bones surrounding the middle ear. Once inside the middle ear cavity, it is flushed and a drain is placed until the infection is controlled. Some animals can still hear during this process.

7. Total ear canal ablation. This is the most severe surgery, involving the removal of the entire ear canal. It is a salvage procedure that can be performed when no other treatments are effective. After this surgery, pets become deaf.

Section 4: FollowUp for Cat Otitis

After treatment, regular followup checks are necessary to reduce the risk of future infections and ensure that the current infection is responding to treatment. Ensure that the pet's ear canal remains clean and dry.

Tip: Click on "Symptoms of Cat Otitis Externa" to learn more about feline otitis externa.