If a cat is infected with ear mites, the first thing the owner should do is not to be impatient. Ear mites are a very common cat parasitic disease, which occurs in many cats throughout their lives. The experience of getting ear mites, we often hear that ear mites can cause pets itchy ears. When bacteria are infected, it will cause otitis and otitis media, and even develop into encephalitis. In fact, as long as we deal with it Proper, timely treatment of cats, ear mites are not so terrible.
The males with itchy ears are 0.32-0.35 mm long, and the females are 0.43-0.48 mm long. It has 4 pairs of legs and is an arthropod with incomplete metamorphosis. Ear itch mites are parasitic on the surface of the cat's ear canal skin, do not enter the inner layer of the skin, and have a tough horny epidermis with strong resistance. Absorb lymph and skin cells, rely on tissue residues and tissue nourishment for a living. It can survive for more than 2 months under the conditions of 6-8 ℃ and air humidity of 85%-100%. The developmental process includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult. In the treatment of ear mites, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the ear canal with ear washing water specially designed for pets, and then instill the ear miticide for treatment to clean the ear canal and use the ear drops. The steps are as follows:
1. Get medicine.
Once the veterinarian makes a diagnosis and confirms that the cat's tympanic membrane is intact, it will be prescribed to be safe for the cat and effective in killing Prescription ear drops for ear mites. Many pet stores sell over-the-counter mites to treat mites, but they are often less effective and can be harmful to cats. It is advisable to use only medicaments recommended by your veterinarian.
2. Read the label.
Read the directions on the label carefully to see how often the ear drops should be used. The frequency and dosage of each drug varies, but generally it may be used once a day for 7 to 10 consecutive days.
3. Get everything ready.
Put everything you need on a table, or other flat surface, before giving your cat medication. Spread a large towel on the table to prevent the cat from slipping. In addition, you have to prepare ear drops and a few cotton balls. If you can, get a friend to help hold the cat so you can use your ear drops with both hands free.
4. Clean the cat's ears.
You may need to clean your cat's ears before taking the medicine. It's best to ask your veterinarian if you need to do this first. Buy ear cleaning supplies that are safe for cats to use and follow the directions that come with them. Ear mites may be surrounded by a lot of earwax, making it impossible for ear drops to reach them.
Ear cleaning tips: Pour ear washing water into the ear canal first, then lift the ear with one hand to prevent the ear washing The water flows out, massage the ear canal with the other hand, and let the earwash and earwax fully work. The ear canal is then cleaned with hemostatic forceps and absorbent cotton, which can be repeated several times. Then drop the ear drops for treatment, and massage the ears.
5. Use ear drops.
Place the cat on the table with its head facing you, and have a helper lightly press the cat's shoulders to prevent it from moving. Open the cap of the dropper bottle and instill the desired dose into the cat's ear canal. Gently rub your cat's ears with your fingers and thumb to help the ear drops mix with the waxy secretions and penetrate the ear canal. If the cat resists, you can wrap the cat tightly in a towel to keep it immobile.
6. Wipe the ears.
Wipe off any loose earwax with a cotton ball. Do not push the cotton ball into the ear canal. When wiping your cat's ears, if it moves, it's easy to accidentally push the cotton ball too far and possibly injure it.
7. Repeat the above steps as instructed.
Repeat the above steps daily for as many days as directed by your veterinarian. If your cat is still irritated after treatment, it is best to take her to the veterinarian for further help. If your cat begins to tilt its head during treatment, stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinarian. Some cats are allergic to the active ingredients in ear drops, which can affect balance even if the eardrum is intact. If this occurs, notify the veterinarian immediately.
Notes:
Remember to wash your hands before wrapping the cotton, otherwise the bacteria will enter the ear canal with the cotton and cause inflammation. The absorbent cotton can be moistened, but don’t soak up the water, and the dripping will not be good. Because the ear canal is not easy to ventilate, excess water is not easy to dry in it, which can cause otitis media for a long time.