Why does a cat have dirty ears? The cat has black ears

Brown plaque in a cat's ears may indicate simple pollution or be a symptom of a serious illness. Inexperienced owners of meowing pets very often do not pay attention to the appearance of a brown or black mass in the animal’s ears or simply remove it with ordinary cotton swabs. Such reckless behavior by a cat owner can lead to dire consequences.

A brown, dry coating that turns into a sticky, dark, foul-smelling mass resembling coffee grounds, can occur for several reasons. Regardless of the nature of the occurrence, the presence of an increasing volume of dirty brown substance in the ears is fraught with the occurrence of otitis media and the death of the cat.

The main reasons for the appearance brown plaque in the ears pet:

ingress of water or foreign body V ear canal;
severe hypothermia;
old sulfur plug;
head injury;
bites, scratches;
auricle;
infectious diseases.

Ear pathologies can occur in any cat, so it is recommended to periodically practice ear hygiene and monitor the health of the auricle.

Most often, provoking factors for the development of the disease are:

insufficient care;
keeping in damp, cold rooms or in a draft;
poor quality feeding;
chronic and acute infectious and non-communicable diseases;
weaning;
and microelements;
puberty;
genetic predisposition;
oncology;
exhaustion;
hormonal disorders;
decreased immunity;
heredity.

Diseases accompanied by the appearance of brown plaque in a cat’s ears

The most common diseases accompanied by the appearance of brown plaque in the ears of a pet are otodectosis and otitis media. Both pathologies are deadly, but with timely detection and referral to a specialist, they can be treated quite successfully.

Otodectosis

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Tick bites and scratches caused by a cat scratching its ears contribute to the attachment of secondary infection and the development of otitis media. In advanced cases, perforation of the eardrum occurs, penetration of pathogenic microflora into the meninges and death of the animal.

Characteristic symptoms:

a dark brown or black coating that resembles coffee grounds in both ears;
dried crusts, scabs, wounds and scratches;
unpleasant odor from the ears;
restless behavior: the cat shakes its head, furiously scratches its ears until they bleed, rubs its ears against objects;
painful reaction of the pet to ear cleaning;
suppuration and erosion in the ears;
loss of appetite, lethargy;
increased body temperature;
crooked head - the cat lowers its ears to the floor;
convulsions and spasms due to perforation of the eardrum and penetration of infection into the meninges.

Important! Otodectosis is a highly contagious disease, so all pets need to be treated.

The diagnosis is confirmed by a veterinary specialist when the pathogen is detected in secretions from the ears. The prognosis for otodectosis directly depends on the time the cat owner contacts veterinary clinic and neglect of the disease. Initial stages diseases are treated quite successfully, with inflammation meninges It is not always possible to save a pet.

Otitis

It's called ear inflammation. Depending on the location of the inflammatory focus, one-sided and bilateral otitis media, the course of the disease can be acute and chronic. Cats of all ages are susceptible to the disease, regardless of their care and living conditions.

Important! Most often, otitis media occurs due to hypothermia in a cat after bathing and being wet for a long time in a draft or cold room.

The main causes of otitis externa are:

hypothermia;
old sulfur plugs;
hair growth in the ear;
ear injuries;
abscesses, hematomas, scratches, bites;
ear mite;
foreign body;
dermatitis of the auricle;
infections.

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Towards development inflammatory process in the middle and inner ear give:

otitis externa;
otodectosis;
neoplasm;
head injury;
rupture of the eardrum;
infections.

Outer, middle and internal otitis have different clinical picture and current. If, with inflammation of the outer ear, superficial changes are most often observed, leading to necrosis of the ear cartilages, then damage to the inner and middle ear is characterized by internal degenerative changes with defeat auditory ossicles and meninges, severe course with the manifestation of neurological symptoms.

Symptoms of external otitis:

dark brown plaque in the ears;
unpleasant odor;
skin redness;
slight increase in body temperature.

When the inflammatory focus is localized in the outer and middle ear, the following clinical picture is observed:

refusal of food;
squelching sounds from the ear;
high body temperature;
oppression;
aggression when pressing sore ear;
torticollis;
, convulsions;
discharge of pus.

Treatment for any type of otitis should be immediate. Diagnosis of the disease and treatment of the pathology should be carried out by a veterinary specialist; in advanced cases, the pet must be treated in a hospital setting.

Special cases

Sometimes there is a brown coating in the ears fluffy pet is not a symptom of otitis media or otodectosis. Particular cases of the appearance of brown matter in a cat’s ears include: plaque in only one ear, a strong nauseating odor from the ears and increased secretion of wax.

Plaque in only one ear

If dark coating found only in one ear, and the cat does not refuse food, itching, apathy and redness of the skin, this is a banal contamination. The problem is solved by simply soaking it in a cleansing lotion. The next day, you need to check for dirt in the ear. At reappearance brown mass, you need to contact a specialist.

Pungent, nauseating odor from the ears

Simultaneously with the formation of brown plaque, a sharp unpleasant odor from the ears most often indicates the development of otodectosis or otitis media. In particular cases, a combination of these symptoms is observed with suppuration in the ears, head injury, neoplasm, etc. By identifying the cause of brown plaque and unpleasant odor should be handled by a veterinarian.

Let's look at the main symptoms of ear bream in cats:

The first sign that should lead you to believe that your cat has ticks is the animal's restless behavior. The cat begins to constantly scratch behind the ear, sometimes even tries to get its hind paw into the ear and often shakes its head. But this symptom maybe initial sign otitis, so you need to start examining your pet further.
Ear mites multiply very quickly and are visible to the naked eye almost in the first two weeks of infection. Take the cat in your arms, calm it down and carefully wrap its ear so that it is clearly visible. inner part auricle. The presence of black or brown plaque indicates that the cat has a tick. In particularly advanced cases, the inside of the ear becomes covered with characteristic crusts, which the animal constantly tries to pick out and shake out.

A veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis by taking a scraping from the ear and examining its contents under a microscope. This procedure It is done on the spot and does not take much time.

Ticks in cats: treatment.

You can also treat ear mites in cats at home. Pet stores now have an assortment of great amount all kinds of means. It is important to follow some recommendations here, because... incorrect treatment may cause your pet to become deaf.

Even long-haired cats wash themselves with such diligence that one can only envy them. They reach the most inaccessible places, but not the ears - only a person can clean them.

How does infection occur?

The mite attaches to the external auditory canal of a cat and immediately begins to feed on the epidermis inner ear. Skin covering is disrupted and fluid begins to leak from the damaged areas. This dried liquid is the notorious dirt.

How to treat

Ear mites, also known as otodectosis, are treated in different ways. Among the known methods we can highlight following methods fight:

insecticidal spray, and if ticks have spread to the body - drops on the withers;
ear cleaner;
drops;
ointment.

If the choice is between drops or spray, then it is better to choose a spray. They can be processed not only dirty ears a cat, but also the animal’s main place of residence, for example, a box. If we talk about choosing a drug, then preference is given to such means as:

Dermatosol.
Psoroptol.
Fipronil.
Cyodrine.

The main thing here is not to confuse ear mites with another disease. For example, a yeast infection in a cat's ears gives similar symptoms – dark discharge(exudate). And the incorrect use of drugs against otodectosis can easily worsen the situation. For this reason, if you are unsure about something, go to the vet.

Other causes of dirty ears

In some cat breeds big ears, and these are natural dust collectors. But even in an ordinary ear, dust accumulates over time and settles in the auricle. If too much dirt accumulates, it comes into play internal protection animal body. This is increased secretion earwax and, as a result, the formation of a dirty mass.

In some cases, the intensity of the sulfur gland does not depend on external stimuli, so dirty ears can occur in cats that are constantly in a clean house. Most often, this phenomenon affects breeds that have no or little hair on their ears, but this is the animal’s natural protection from external influences. These ears need to be cleaned regularly.

A cat or cat has dirty ears, what to do?

What they do with dirt is remove it properly. The question here is how to do it correctly so as not to harm the cat. Let's consider step by step instructions proper cleaning dirty ears in cats and kittens.

The main rule is to take your time and do everything carefully. Remember – the work is on an important and sensitive area of the cat’s body.

First of all, bend the cat’s ear, try to turn it out as far as possible, but until there is natural resistance. If you use gel or ointment, do not squeeze it into your ear. Use a cotton swab dipped in medicine for this task.

There is an opinion that an animal can be torn eardrum- it is a myth. Naturally, you don’t need to push the entire length of the stick into your pet’s ear; a depth of one centimeter will be enough. Although care should be taken in any case, it is possible to cause pain due to clumsy handling.

The next trick in the movement is to direct the movement of the stick outward. If you don't do this, you can simply push the dirt even deeper into the animal's ear.

If a mite or other ear disease is to blame for your cat's dirty ears, wait with premature "treatment." In this case, before starting cleaning, the animal must be shown to a veterinarian. In this case, a diagnosis and advice from a doctor is a necessity, because the effectiveness of treatment depends on proper cleaning.

Now you know why a cat’s ears are dirty inside and you can easily solve the problem of cleaning them. Moreover, all the proposed manipulations are extremely simple and accessible. They will not take up much of your time, and your pet will be very grateful to you.

You can also ask a question to our site's staff veterinarian, who as soon as possible will answer them in the comment box below.

There are many reasons for itchy ears in cats. It is quite difficult to find out the cause on your own, since all ear diseases have very general signs. The only exceptions are the most characteristic features inherent in a particular disease and to determine approximate reason“by eye”, you need to be at least an experienced doctor, and, as a maximum, have x-ray vision. Therefore, if you notice that a cat is scratching its ears, is worried, or bends its head to one side or the other, you should not guess, but it is better to immediately contact a veterinarian.

Why do my cat's ears itch?

Main provoking factors ear itching:

otodectosis or;
traumatic hematoma;
fungus;
otitis;
dermatitis and;
injury;
presence of a foreign body;
accumulation of sulfur.

It should be separately noted that the animal may well simply “lay down” the hearing organ, so there is no need to immediately run to the clinic, it is better to observe the pet for several hours and make sure that the symptom is often repeated. Only then seek qualified help.

Treatment at home

In order to provide the correct and timely assistance pet, you should carefully examine its ears.

Ear mite

If the animal's source of concern is a tick ( Otodectes cynotis), upon examination you can see a filling that is uncharacteristic for a healthy organ. Sulfur looks atypical - a dry crust of brown or black color. The shell is inflamed, dark discharge is observed.

You should not remove the fillings yourself; this will complicate the examination and correct positioning diagnosis. The doctor, through laboratory tests, will establish a complete clinical picture and prescribe treatment.

Ear mites in cats belong to the group of invasive ear diseases.

Having thoroughly cleaned the auricle of plaque and darkened wax, you should begin processing and direct treatment.

Processed Tsipam, Amitrazine near 5 times every 3–5 days . Apply drops Aurikan every day for seven days in a row. Repeat instillation for a month, twice a week. Moisten the fur of the affected area with Neostomazan solution and drip inside, repeat the procedure after a week.

IN for preventive purposes use Frontline, Stronghold, Bars - drop on the cat’s withers. During treatment, the cat is isolated from the outside world and contacts with other animals. Withstand the full rehabilitation period.

Hematoma

Severe hematoma.

If a hematoma is detected, therapy depends on the severity of the damage. In any case, you need to contact the clinic to determine the causes of the hematoma and recommendations for eliminating the disease.

First aid for mild and moderate types of hematoma consists of applying a cold compress, a tight bandage, and changing it every other day. Usually within 14 days the hematoma resolves and you can proceed to UHF procedures.

A more complex case requires serious approach qualified specialist- veterinarian At the clinic, they puncture the hematoma and suck out the blood contents. Instead, a solution of novocaine with an antibiotic, hydrocortisone, is administered. Secure with a tight bandage, which is changed after four days. Intramuscular injections of Vikasol are recommended.

An unfavorable course can be eliminated by surgery under general anesthesia, during which the seal cavity is cleaned and a hemostatic sponge is placed.

Pustule (abscess)

Abscess on the ear.

Having discovered an abscess in your pet’s ear, under no circumstances should it be squeezed out. Most likely, as a result of damage - scratches, minor injuries - an abscess develops in the ear. By squeezing out a small abscess, you can provoke more serious problem– sepsis, which is very difficult and often has an unfavorable outcome.

First aid for an abscess is a visit to the clinic.

The abscess opens , purulent exudate is washed out from there and disinfected with furatsilin. In more difficult case, after cleaning the wound, are prescribed strong antibiotics, restoratives, painkillers.

Yeast fungus

Yeast fungus in a cat

Yeast fungus is dangerous because it creates a pathogenic environment around the localization of the lesion, favorable for infection with other infections. Can cause hearing loss in cats.

It is difficult to diagnose on your own, but it is possible. Inside accumulation is atypical dark sulfur, unpleasant smell. Thoroughly clean the sink with hydrogen peroxide once a day until the cotton swab turns white.

Intramuscular antibiotic Kabaktan once a day, for a week. Immunomodulator Maxidin intramuscularly or subcutaneously, twice a day, five days in a row. Gamavit subcutaneously - 1 injection for five days. 3–4 drops of the drug Otoferonol Gold . Every morning for about a week. For prevention - Otibiovin .

Otitis

Having found out that the cause of ear itching in a cat is dermatitis or eczema, the doctor prescribes the following treatment measures:

douching with hydrogen peroxide, soapy water or soda solution;
removal of dead particles of the epidermis;
treatment of the affected area with astringents: a solution of silver nitrate, pyoctanin, picric acid, albucid;
using a self-prepared ointment from zinc oxide, starch, lanolin, petroleum jelly;
restorative therapy.

IN severe cases required surgical treatment by opening the lesions and removing the affected areas.

Allergies can be a trigger. Because visible reasons If, except for scratching, the pet itself is not visible, you should take it to the nearest clinic to identify the allergen. Eliminated by cleaning cleaning solutions, antihistamines containing fatty acid . It is acceptable to use corticosteroid ointments,

Wash your cat more often and its ears will be clean.

When a cat scratches its ears, you don’t always need to look for the cause in diseases. Often the source is quite banal - excessive accumulation sulfur . If the sulfur mass has natural color, can be easily eliminated at home. To do this, you need to moisten a cotton swab in warm water and clean, gently pushing the sulfur up. Repeat until the stick turns white.

Based on all that has been said, the conclusion suggests itself: without consulting an experienced veterinarian, finding out the cause, making a correct diagnosis, starting treatment pet impermissible.

One fine day you suddenly noticed that your pet was shaking its head and scratching its ears with particular passion, you looked there, and there... a tick.

What, a tick again? Yes, but this time it’s in the ear – scientifically called otodectosis, ear scabies in a simple way.

Getting to know ear mites

Life cycle Ear mite development takes about three weeks and consists of four stages:

Stage 1: egg The female usually lays about five eggs a day, which hatch into larvae after four days.

Stage 2: larva Having hatched from the egg, the larva actively feeds on earwax and skin secretions for 3-5 days, then within 24 hours it becomes lethargic and molts into the nymphal phase.

Stage 3: nymph The nymph goes through two stages - first protonymph, then deutonymph. At each stage, she feeds for about five days, then rests and moults for the next stage. Deutonyms are fertilized by male mites.

Stage 4: adult tick Otodectosis looks like a crab, has an oval, white or gray-yellow body and long, well-developed limbs, reaches a size of 0.2 mm x 0.7 mm (females are traditionally slightly larger than males), and is visible even to the naked eye. If the nymph, which has turned into an adult, turns out to be female, then she is already fertilized and carries eggs with future offspring. Impressive!

Are ear mites contagious?

How does ear mite infection occur?

Having attached itself to the skin of the external auditory canal, the mite begins to actively feed. Its food is the epidermis of the inner ear. From damaged skin stands out tissue fluid, which dries and forms on inside and crusts in the ear canal brown color.

Then, in search of a breeding partner, the tick detaches and begins to move, causing the animal severe itching. The cat shakes its head, scratches the affected areas with its claws, where scratches and suppuration form.

By damaging the skin, otodectes causes inflammation. Microbes and fungi enter the wounds, and a favorable atmosphere for secondary infection arises.

And then - redness, increase local temperature. Soon appear purulent inflammation with a characteristic repulsive odor, swelling of the ear canal. If the tick has penetrated deep into ear canal, deafness is inevitable.

With inflammation of the inner ear, the cat constantly turns its head to the side, lowering the sore ear down (“bowhead”).

When inflammation reaches the meninges, the animal begins to have seizures and convulsions—precursors fatal outcome.

Symptoms of ear mites in cats:

restlessness (the cat constantly shakes its head and scratches its ears)
scratches, scratches on the ears up to wounds and ulcers
inside the ear is a crumbly, reddish-brown to black substance resembling coffee grounds
bad smell

Diagnosis of ear mites

It is important not to confuse otodectosis with others ear diseases with similar symptoms (for example, dark discharge in the ears (exudate) may also be from a yeast infection). And using anti-tick medications where there are none can make the situation worse. Therefore for accurate diagnosis, as always, we go to the doctor.

The diagnosis is based on the anamnesis (history according to the owner), clinical signs and laboratory data.

It is not difficult to diagnose otodectosis, since the ear mite is quite large. It can be seen using an otoscope with magnifying glass and backlight.

For laboratory research A scraping is taken from the inside of the ear, the contents of which are laid out on a glass slide and examined under a microscope. Under slight magnification, transparent white ticks are visible - dead ones are motionless, living ones are actively moving.

Treatment of otodecosis

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after diagnosis. Thanks to modern veterinary products The fight against ear mites is not a problem if it is started in a timely manner.

Is ear cleaning necessary? Depends on the degree of damage to the ear, the amount of discharge and the drugs used for treatment.

Firstly, air access is opened to the area cleared of exudate, which helps dry and ventilate the affected skin for further healing.

Secondly, anti-otodectosis drops (Otoferonol, Bars, Anandin, etc.) work directly on the skin. Once on ear dirt, they will simply dissolve in it without rendering therapeutic effect. Therefore, cleaning is necessary before using them.

In the clinic, the doctor cleans the ears with a special instrument. When cleaning your ears yourself, it is important to try not to push the infection deeper into the dry canal. For cleaning, it is better to use special ear lotions that soften dried scabs and wax and make the procedure as easy as possible. The process itself is carried out using napkins or disks, but about cotton buds It's better to forget.

It should be remembered that the surface of the auricle and the ear canal are delicate and sensitive, and cleaning the ears is quite unpleasant. Therefore, your beloved pet may become aggressive during the process, using its claws and teeth. Then you may need sedation (relaxing drugs) and ear rinsing in the clinic.

Some new drugs do not require thorough cleaning of the ears before use, since they are not used specifically in the ears. Let's look at them in more detail.

“The drug is applied directly to the dry skin of the animal. To do this, spread the fur between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck and completely squeeze out the contents of the pipette. Do not massage the area where the drug is applied.” It is important that the cat does not have the opportunity to lick the drug from the skin!

As a rule, a single application is sufficient. In our clinic, the doctor recommends three times use with an interval of 3-4 weeks. Just to be sure

The instructions for the drug recommend double use with an interval of 8-10 days. Our doctors usually prescribe 3-5 injections (maybe more if necessary), one per week. It should be noted that the otodectin injection is very painful!