Overview of Cat Middle and Inner Ear Infections

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Ear Inflammation

1. Head Shaking

2. Scratching or Rubbing at the Ears with Paws

3. Discharge from the External Ear Canal

4. Headaches

5. Pain When the Mouth is Opened Wide

6. Depression

7. Hearing Loss

8. Loss of Appetite

9. Tilting the Head to One Side

10. Circling Movements

11. Body Tilting to One Side

12. Rolling on the Floor

13. Staggering Gait

14. Vomiting

15. Uncontrollable, Sudden Eye Movements from Side to Side (Nystagmus)

Diagnosis of Cat Middle Ear Inflammation

The diagnosis of middle ear inflammation or otitis media in cats is typically based on a thorough physical examination and ear examination. To pinpoint the exact cause of the ear inflammation, additional tests may be required, which may include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Blood Chemistry, to assess the overall health of the animal

2. Sedation or anesthesia may be necessary for a thorough examination, as the ears may be very painful

3. Xrays of the skull and ear base, although these are usually not helpful in finding tumors or masses in the ear base

4. Culturing and cytology of any secretions or fluids from the ear canal, to determine the cause of inflammation. Cultures can detect bacterial issues and help determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Cytology can detect parasites, fungi, yeast, and certain cancers.

Treatment of Cat Middle Ear Inflammation

The goal of treating middle ear inflammation or otitis media is to eliminate inflammation and provide ventilation and drainage. Treatment methods vary depending on the cause of the inflammation and may include:

1. Washing the ear canal with warm saltwater (saltwater solution)

2. If the eardrum is intact, it may be necessary to puncture the eardrum to relieve pain and pressure, while also draining blood from the middle and inner ear. This is usually done under anesthesia.

3. Washing the middle ear through the eardrum

4. Removing any foreign objects

5. Oral antibiotics for 36 weeks to treat bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections

6. If ear medications are used, they must be used cautiously. Typically, ear washing and oral antibiotics can alleviate infections. For inflammation caused by parasites, ear medications may be necessary.

If the infection cannot be treated, or if polyps or cancer are the cause of the inflammation, surgery may be required. If the inflammation has progressed to include the inner ear, the likelihood of surgery is greater.

Home Care and Prevention of Cat Ear Inflammation

There is currently no home care for middle ear or inner ear inflammation. If your pet shows signs of an infection in the middle or inner ear, please consult a veterinarian promptly.

Timely and thorough treatment of an external ear infection can significantly reduce the risk of middle ear and inner ear inflammation.

Tip: For more information on related diseases of feline otitis, click to read "Symptoms of Feline External Otitis".