Ear Mites sa mga Alaga: Karaniwang Dahilan ng Pangangati
Ang ear mites ay maliliit na parasita na naninirahan sa loob ng tenga, na nagdudulot ng matinding pangangati at madilim na discharge.
Source: Veterinary knowledge. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny, highly contagious parasites that live on the surface of the skin in and around the ear canal. They are especially common in cats but also affect dogs, ferrets, and rabbits. In Macau's warm, humid climate, ear mites thrive and spread easily between pets. Left untreated, they can cause painful ear infections and even damage to the eardrum.
Mga Pangunahing Punto
- Ear mites are tiny parasites visible only under magnification
- Cats are affected more often than dogs, but both species are at risk
- Dark, coffee-ground-like discharge in the ear is a classic sign
- Intense scratching and head shaking are the most common symptoms
- Ear mites are highly contagious between pets in the household
- Treatment requires both ear cleaning and prescribed medication
What Are Ear Mites?
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are microscopic, eight-legged parasites that live on the skin surface of the ear canal. They feed on skin debris and ear wax, causing irritation and inflammation. The entire mite life cycle — from egg to adult — takes about three weeks. Adult mites live for approximately two months and reproduce continuously. Because they are so small (less than half a millimeter), you typically cannot see them with the naked eye — your vet needs an otoscope or microscope to confirm their presence.
Signs and Symptoms
The hallmark signs of ear mites are intense scratching at the ears and vigorous head shaking. You may notice a dark, crumbly, coffee-ground-like discharge inside the ear canal. The ears may be red, swollen, and painful to the touch. In severe cases, pets scratch so intensely they create wounds on the head and neck, or develop an aural hematoma (a blood-filled swelling of the ear flap caused by broken blood vessels). Cats may also develop miliary dermatitis — small, crusty scabs along the back and neck.
How They Spread
Ear mites spread through direct contact between animals. They are extremely common in shelters, catteries, and multi-pet households. Kittens often contract ear mites from their mother. Outdoor cats are at higher risk. Mites can survive briefly in the environment (bedding, furniture), so even pets that don't directly interact can potentially become infected. All pets in the household should be treated simultaneously, even if only one shows symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your vet will examine the ears with an otoscope and may collect a sample of ear debris to examine under a microscope, where the mites are easily identified. Treatment typically involves thorough ear cleaning followed by prescription ear drops containing antiparasitic ingredients such as ivermectin, milbemycin, or selamectin. Modern spot-on treatments (Revolution/selamectin, Advantage Multi/moxidectin + imidacloprid) applied to the skin are highly effective — a single application often resolves the infestation. The ears should be rechecked in 2-3 weeks to confirm the mites are gone. If secondary bacterial or yeast infections have developed (common with ear mites), additional medication will be needed.
Kailan Pumunta sa Beterinaryo
- Your pet is scratching at their ears constantly or shaking their head
- You see dark, crumbly discharge inside the ear canal
- The ears are red, swollen, or painful
- Your pet has developed wounds on the head or neck from scratching
- A swelling has appeared on the ear flap (aural hematoma)
- Multiple pets in the household are showing similar symptoms
Paano Matutulungan ng RVC
Royal Veterinary Center can quickly diagnose and treat ear mites in dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets. Our team will examine your pet's ears, confirm the diagnosis, and prescribe the most effective treatment. If your pet is scratching their ears or you notice dark discharge, call +853 6677 6611.
Mga Kaugnay na Artikulo
Ang artikulong ito ay para sa layuning pang-edukasyon lamang. Kontakin ang RVC sa +853 6677 6611.