Symptoms of Feline Otitis Externa: Key Signs to Watch O

Symptoms:

Itching is a common sign, often observed in cats scratching the skin behind the ear flaps at the base. In longhaired cats, hair tangles in this area are quite common. If you get close to the ear, you may detect a foul odor. An increase in ear discharge, which is typically brown or dark brown, may be visible. In severe cases, puslike fluid may be observed, and cotton swabs used for cleaning may show a pale yellow or greenish tint. [Image]

Ear mites typically cause more intense itching, while bacterial infections may lead to occasional itching. In cases of uncertainty, it is best to visit a veterinary clinic for a microscopic examination or an ear swab. Under the microscope, it can be determined whether the cause is mites or bacteria. Accurate diagnosis allows for targeted treatment, speeding up the recovery process for your cat. If allergic causes are suspected, and if a microscopic examination or swab test can rule out other infections, you can consider administering a low dose of prednisolone orally (0.5mg/kg). If symptoms improve significantly after oral administration, it is likely that an allergy is the cause. You might then try feeding your cat a hypoallergenic prescription diet for a trial period or undergo an allergen test to avoid feeding allergenic foods in the future.

Prevention and care are crucial in managing outer ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and the use of ear cleaning solutions are essential. For cats with infections, antiinflammatory medications may be necessary. In cases where ear polyps are present, surgical intervention may be required.