Ear mites (otodectosis ) are a common disease in dogs. The causative agent is the microscopic skin parasite Otodectes cynotis. The insect infects the ears and causes severe discomfort. Without proper treatment, severe complications may develop.
Otodectosis: routes of infection, symptoms and consequences
The causative agent of the disease is the carpet beetle mite. This microscopic arachnid has an oval body, a brownish color, reproduces quickly and poisons the host’s body with waste products. Mites live in the ears, pierce the epidermis with chelicerae and feed on blood and intercellular fluid. In the confined space of the ear canal, the parasite reproduces very quickly.
Routes of infection are through soil, water, and contact with other animals. The risk group includes dogs with long floppy ears, such as spaniels and dachshunds. Poor air exchange ensures rapid reproduction of insects that prefer a warm and humid environment. Dogs very often become infected from cats. If there are several animals in the household, treatment should be carried out on every single pet at the same time.
Ear mites in dogs cause diseases such as otitis media, meningitis, laryngitis, bacterial infection and skin suppuration.
Clinical symptoms:
severe itching - the dog shakes its head, scratches its ears with its paws
wounds and abrasions as a result of scratching
anxiety and restlessness due to itching and insect bites
brown ear wax as a consequence of the presence of Otodectes cynotis
A sick animal behaves restlessly. Dogs' appetite worsens, it sleeps poorly, whines more often in its sleep and scratches its head.
Consequences:
Bacterial infection and suppuration of the skin develops due to constant scratching with claws.
Otitis media is a dangerous inflammatory disease, accompanied by suppuration and high fever. Advanced otitis media can lead to complete or partial deafness.
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, accompanied by fever and loss of coordination of movements.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, leading to convulsions, loss of consciousness, and possible death.
Otitis media is the most common complication. The disease is accompanied by a number of specific symptoms that require urgent treatment. One of the first symptoms is a strong, unpleasant odor from the ears, indicating an accumulation of pus.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention
If you have noticed alarming behavior, the dog should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will examine the dog and prescribe tests. To identify the pathogen, the ear canal discharge will be examined; mite eggs and the mite itself are found in the brown wax.
Despite severe manifestations and dangerous complications, mild forms of otodectosis are treated easily. The following is used in therapy:
topical insectoacaricidal agents – ointments for parasites, ear drops and sprays
systemic insectoacaricides – preparations against ticks in the form of injections
antihistamines – to reduce itching, swelling and discomfort
bactericidal solutions – to clean the skin and prevent secondary infection
The exact treatment regimen will be prescribed by the veterinarian.
One of the best medications for ear mites is Dekta Forte drops. The product acts at the source of infection, quickly eliminates swelling and itching, and has an analgesic effect. Suitable for both dogs and cats.
In addition to the insectoacaricidal drug, antiseptics are prescribed, which are used to wipe the ears, removing secretions and softening the crusts.
Yuri Lizvinsky, veterinarian, Head of Training, Apicenna LLC
Prevention of otodectosis involves the use of insectoacaricidal drops or collars. Such drugs provide protection against parasites for 8-10 weeks. It is important in fold-eared breeds to regularly wipe the ears.
Otodectosis can cause serious problems. Severe infection leads to the formation of dense stones and provokes inflammation. Severe forms can lead to hearing impairment and death. Regular examination of your dog by a veterinarian and timely treatment of any diseases will help prevent complications.
