Dark plaque in the cat's ears. How and what to clean a kitten’s ears at home: photos and videos

When the owner sees a black coating in a cat’s ears, as a rule, he does not pay attention to it at first. special attention. On occasion, they simply try to do standard things to the animal. hygiene procedures, cleaning ears cotton swabs. However, often you have to deal not with ordinary dust and dirt, but rather serious illness- otodectosis, provoked ear mites. The causes and methods of treatment for ear scabies (second name) will be discussed below.

First of all, cats with weakened immune systems are at risk, especially when kept in a crowded environment, as well as kittens under one year of age. The disease is considered highly contagious and can be transmitted to other pets, although in rare cases.

The tick cannot be seen with the naked eye due to its very small size. It can only be seen under a magnifying glass or microscope by taking a smear from the affected area. The insect has an average size of 0.2-0.7 mm in length, a short body of pale yellow color and elongated limbs.

Possible complications

In the absence of treatment or insufficient therapy, otodectosis can develop various complications. For example:

Inflammation of the middle ear
Meningitis
Tympanic septal rupture
Necrosis of the auricle

Characteristic symptoms

The animal cannot say in words what exactly is bothering it, so it expresses its discomfort through various behavioral actions. In the case of ticks, these will be the following symptoms:

In the desire to get rid of constant itching The cat looks for hard, stable pieces of furniture to rub its head on, or “sticks” to door frames, corners and steps.
Dark brown liquid oozes from the scratched ears. brown color. Appears bad smell. The pile in the lower area of the ear tassels sticks together.
Partial or complete loss of hearing is observed.
Body temperature rises slightly.

Important: not to lubricate clinical picture, before visiting the veterinarian, it is not advisable to carry out any hygiene procedures. You should also refrain from instilling drops or applying any ointments.

Treatment options

Drops. Most often, the following drugs are prescribed: Tresaderm, Ivomek, Bars, Amitrazine Plus, Otoferonol Gold, Tsipam. The advantage of using Tresaderm is that the antibiotic included in its composition affects not only the adult tick, but also its eggs, and also fights fungi and other infectious inflammations. The drug Ivomec can be prescribed in the form of injections and injected into the animal according to a schedule several times a month. The remaining drops from the above list tend to affect worms if they are present.

Important: so that the cat does not get nervous during instillation, the liquid must be slightly warmed up.

Ointments (aerosols). Aversectin ointment works well in practice, which is applied to the ear with a special spatula and is well absorbed into the skin during rubbing. Amit ointment, made on the basis of amitraz and prednisolone, has a similar acaricidal effect. Disinfection of the ears is carried out twice a day for 5 days. A cotton swab is lubricated with a creamy substance, and then gently rubbed into skin covering. Acaromectin spray, sprayed onto the inner surface of the ear according to the attached instructions, is effective against otodectosis.

A doctor may also prescribe Stronghold, Frontline or Oridermil, but these drugs are contraindicated for use as self-medication - only on the recommendation of a veterinarian. IN for preventive purposes The drug Revolution for Cats is often prescribed - It is applied to the withers using a drop method. After absorption into the skin active substance acts simultaneously on both ticks and fleas, if any.

Rules for the use of medicines

The sequence of actions during therapy should be as follows:

Before dripping or applying ointment, it is necessary to clean the ear surface of all dirt, crusts and purulent discharge. It's done cotton swab, soaked in camphor alcohol(2%) or hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, you can use other disinfecting lotions designed for ears.
When all the impurities become limp and “move away” from the skin, they can be easily removed with a cotton swab. Often the cat itself “shakes out” all the dirt from its ears with its paws.
To medicinal product got deep into the ear canal and was well absorbed, you need to massage the base of the ear with light movements.
The dosage of the medicine must strictly comply with the instructions or doctor’s prescriptions.
If there is another cat or other animals living in the house, it is recommended to ventilate living areas more often during the treatment period and wet cleaning. In this way, the likelihood of reinfection and infection of healthy pets.

Folk remedies

If for some objective reason a visit to the doctor is temporarily impossible, then ethnoscience. Herbs and lotions are unlikely to be able to completely cure otodectosis, but they may well be able to alleviate the animal’s suffering until the time of visiting the veterinary clinic.

Green tea based drops. A tablespoon of dry leaves is poured into a glass of water and left for 5-10 minutes. After cooling to warm state the solution is taken into a pipette and a few drops are instilled into each ear.
Garlic has powerful antiseptic properties. In the case of ear mites, it is infused in oil for 24 hours, and then the resulting solution is instilled into the ears once a day. Olive, flaxseed, sunflower, almond and other oils are used as the basis for the tincture.
Celandine juice is instilled into the ears in the morning and evening, two drops per ear. Freshly picked herbs are ground in a meat grinder and then squeezed in gauze to prevent any remaining leaves or stems from getting into the juice ready for use.

And the last thing you should not forget about is to try to give the cat maximum attention and care in order not only to alleviate its suffering, but also to speed up the healing process.

The formation of black spots in the ears of cats is characteristic feature otitis caused by ear mites. How to help your pet recover faster? Let's try to figure it out.

A cat has black ears: causes, symptoms

The appearance of ear mites in a cat that has never gone outside is quite common. The insect can be brought by the owner on shoes or street clothes. Kittens or weakened animals are most often infected.

The first sign of the disease will be restless behavior of the pet. He shakes his head, scratches his ears, as if he wants to get something out of there. In some animals, ear mites cause allergies, then you will have to treat allergic otitis media, complicated by ear scabies. With allergies, the cat's ears become swollen, red and swollen, and become hot.

Ear mites multiply quickly. Its lifespan is about three weeks, so after infection, the ears become covered from the inside with black, gray and brown scales, and an unpleasant odor may appear.

The cat's ears are black and itchy with what to treat

Ear mites are treated with acaricidal drugs. It is best to use complex drops, which kill ticks and relieve inflammation. Prices ear drops from ticks are very different, ranging from 40 rubles to 500 rubles. The drug Bars has proven itself well. These are not the drops that drip onto the withers for fleas, but ear drops.

The cat has black and ichor in his ear, what should I do and what is it?

The presence of black scales in the ear and ichor indicates a tick disease. You need to put medicinal drops into your ears, for example:
— Bars ear drops;
— Otoferonol plus;
- Amitrazine, etc.

Before instillation, the animal’s ears are cleaned with cotton wool soaked in drops. Drip according to instructions.

The cat has black in the ears and flows from the ear, it has festered

If a cat's ears are festered, it means advanced otitis media. It is important not to waste time and go to the veterinarian to prescribe correct treatment. Otherwise, death is possible.

Black spots in the ears of a cat, treatment of sores

With otodectosis, black dots appear in the cat's ears. Buy drops in the ears against ticks at a veterinary pharmacy and drip, after cleaning, with a cotton swab soaked in the medicine.

The cat has yellow ears, eyes, mouth and nose, what should I do?

With liver diseases, the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth may turn yellow. The eyes also turn yellow. Liver failure is very serious; the cat should be immediately taken to a veterinary clinic or a doctor should be called to your home. The disease could be provoked acute poisoning or hepatitis virus. IN the latter case The doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics and maintenance therapy.

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What should you do if your cat's ears are itchy and black? Inexperienced cat owners often make the mistake of accepting black or brown coating in your pet's ears earwax or dirt. Some simply make no attempt to get rid of it, others simply clean the “dirt” with a cotton swab. In fact, if a cat has black ears, then this is a clear sign of a disease called “otodecosis.” It is caused by microscopic mites. In this case, it is necessary to urgently take treatment measures.

The second name for this common disease in cats and dogs is ear scabies. An animal suffering from this disease experiences very severe discomfort and also scratches its ears until they bleed.

How to tell if a cat has ear mites

An attentive owner always notices the fact that the behavior of his cat has changed. Timely identification of the problem can protect your pet from serious health problems. If you notice black in your cat's ears, then carefully monitor your pet to identify the following symptoms.

Firstly: pay attention to internal state pet. Infected cats become lethargic and even lose interest in their favorite food and games. The animal may become aggressive and avoid touching, especially the ears.

Secondly: the cat’s ears begin to become covered with a black coating, which resembles appearance dried up coffee grounds. Blackness in the ears of cats is difficult to remove. In addition, it has an unpleasant odor. IN individual situations Bloody or purulent discharge may appear.

Thirdly: the cat constantly scratches its ears, sometimes tearing them until they bleed. She may also keep her head slightly tilted to the side at all times.

If the disease is very advanced and has become chronic, then dried crusts or powder similar to dirt may periodically fall out of the cat’s ears. In any case, it is necessary to take your pet to an appointment with a veterinarian.

Treatment of otodecosis

Final accurate diagnosis Only a doctor can diagnose an animal. He will take a scraping from the cat’s ear - a sample of black plaque and, based on its analysis, will identify the source of the disease and the causative agent.

Depending on the animal’s age, stage of ear disease, health status and other individual characteristics, the veterinarian will prescribe a course of treatment for the pet. At mild form diseases, these can be special drops that need to be regularly instilled into the ears. In chronic or advanced stages of the disease, antibiotics, painkillers and other drugs can be used.

If a cat has black ears inside, then they can be treated at home. In pet stores and veterinary pharmacies is provided a wide range of products that help successfully eliminate microscopic mites. During treatment, your pet should be given especially nutritious food and vitamins to strengthen its weakened immune system.

The incubation period for ear mites is 21 days. Therefore, during treatment, it is better to isolate a sick animal from other pets. Its habitat should be thoroughly disinfected.

If you detect the symptoms of ear mites in your cat in time, the animal will very soon recover and regain its strength. IN otherwise he might start serious problems with the hearing organs, and in some cases the pet may lose it completely.

Ear mites or otodectosis are a fairly common disease not only among stray cats, but also widespread among pets. And the manifestation of this disease should not be taken lightly. Consequences of neglected painful lesion damage to a cat's body from mites can be very serious.

Every cat owner should have a clear understanding of the disease picture and know what to do if a tick is detected on their pet. You should also know what an ear mite looks like.

Where does it come from - the causes of occurrence

The question “where do ear mites come from in cats” most often worries pet owners, who sometimes never even go outside. The causes of otodectosis can be not only direct contact with stray animals, but also indirect routes of transmission of the disease.

The leading position as a source of infection is still occupied by homeless animals. They account for about 80 percent of total number cases of infection. Anatomical structure the cat's auricle serves additional factor risk of occurrence of this disease. The cat's owner can also become a carrier of ear mites on clothes, shoes, and even hands.
In a kitten, ear mites can occur as a result of infection from the mother.

Ear mites in cats: signs and symptoms

You can see what the picture of ear mite disease looks like in the photo. Click to enlarge.

The highest percentage of mite infestation occurs in kittens aged 1 to 6 months and in older or weakened cats.

The main symptoms of the disease are as follows:

The animal shakes its head frequently, and a rattling sound may be heard.
Black wax builds up in the ears, which can lead to stone-like plugs.
When a cat shakes its head, liquid droplets may spray from the ears.
Bleeding scratches form in and around the ear.
As a result of pus draining from the ears, the hair around the ear may become sticky.
High body temperature.
Nervous attacks.
The cat's constant desire to scratch the affected ear.
Nervous, restless behavior, sometimes even aggression on the part of the cat.
Unpleasant odor from the ears.

The listed signs may be complemented by an atypical tilt of the head with the affected ear drooping down. If available similar symptoms you need to consult a doctor to decide how to treat your pet.

Why are ear mites dangerous in cats?

The consequence of neglected ear mite infestation in cats can be the development of serious inflammatory process, resulting in rupture eardrum and hearing loss.

IN severe cases ticks may penetrate into inner ear and damage to the lining of the brain. Evidence of an advanced process is systematic seizures that are similar to epileptic ones. These symptoms can lead to fatal outcome and the inevitable death of the pet.

Are ear mites dangerous for humans?

The question of whether ear mites can be transmitted to humans and whether they can be contracted from pets has an ambiguous answer. The risk of otodectosis for humans is a small percentage.

It is scientifically proven that dangerous disease not transmitted to humans. Still, some experts recommend caution when interacting with a sick pet. It is possible that otitis may develop in people with weakened immune systems when caring for an infected animal without following safety precautions.

Treatment of ear mites in cats

Ridding your pet of ear mites at the onset of the disease will not be difficult. If symptoms indicating possible infection pet, you should immediately consult a doctor. You cannot diagnose or treat your pet on your own! Why?! Because this can aggravate the situation and waste time, and in the meantime the disease can move to the next stage.

Only a doctor determines how to treat otodectosis, taking into account the stage of the disease, the age of the animal, its state of health, and the presence of pregnancy in cats.

With help special drugs Ear diseases are treated with great success. Required condition Before treating the ears, you need to clean them.

This should be done as follows:

Cotton pad or cotton swab moistened in one of the products - chlorhexidine or 2% hydrogen peroxide solution, or camphor alcohol
Cleaning the ears
Then apply the amount of ointment indicated by the doctor or instill it required amount drops
The auricle is gently massaged at the base to distribute the product evenly.

Medicines

To treat ear mites, medications are used in the form of sprays, powders, ointments, solutions, as well as injections.

On initial stage prescribe:

"Amit"
"Acromectin"
"Amitrazine"
"Tactician"

Special preparations in the form of sprays, such as Tsiodrin, Acrodex, Dermatosol, can simply be sprayed on the area of the affected ear, approximately at a distance of 5 -5.5 cm from it.

To reduce the appearance of itching and relieve inflammation, Otonazole drops are prescribed. Ointments with sulfur compounds can be called effective - Sulfuric ointment, Vishnevsky ointment".

At advanced stages diseases use Otodectin.

Folk remedies for ear mites in cats

Folk remedies are used purely at the initial stage.

At homethe following are successfully used folk remedies against ear mites in cats:

Brewing green tea. Place in ears several times a day.
A mixture of ½ clove garlic and 2 tablespoons almond oil leave for 24 hours, and after filtering through gauze, lubricate the ears with it once a day. Reviews from owners indicate the effectiveness of using pure almond oil, without adding garlic.

How long does it take to treat ear mites in cats?

It is possible to quickly cure a cat affected by ear mites only if the disease is detected on early stages. If the process is neglected, you will have to fight for a long time. It will be necessary to carry out full course treatment, which can range from 7 to 10 days. The treatment process, in order to completely remove ticks, cannot be stopped before the specified period.

After a successful course of treatment, the black contents in the ears disappear. In this case, the black plaque changes its color to brown.

Preventing ear mites in cats

Prevention of ear mite infection involves eliminating contact between your pet and street animals. Ear mites in a cat can result from other factors. It is necessary to examine the cat every time after a visit to the clinic, mating in someone else's house, or a walk on the street. You should avoid using items from other animals and carefully monitor your pet’s hygiene and health. The cat should not be allowed to rub against outdoor shoes or clothing. It is necessary to carry out mandatory wet cleaning in the house with by special means from ticks.

Video with veterinarian advice:

By paying close attention to the problem of ear mite infestation, you can achieve positive result and save the animal from a serious illness. Timely and quality treatment will return to a pet health and will not give ticks a chance.