Ear mites are microscopic parasites that commonly infest the ear canals of cats and dogs. Canker ear is a name that refers to having ear mites. Infestations of ear mites are highly contagious among pets.

Rabbits and some other pets may also develop ear mite infestations. If one pet in the household gets ear mites, it is recommended that all pets that can get ear mites are also treated for ear mites to prevent the infestation from circulating among the pets.

Even though ear mites live in the ear canal of the dog or cat, but ear mites may also be present in the pet’s environment. The ear mites can be spread to other cats and dogs in the household from sharing the same environment or through direct contact.

Scratching of the ears and shaking the head are signs of an ear mite infestation. Some cats do not show any signs of canker ear, but the cat owner may see the discharge in the ears.

A veterinarian diagnoses the ear mites by examining the discharge from the ears. Your mites cause a discharge that is thick and brown or black which is often described as resembling coffee grounds. The ear mites themselves are microscopic.

Many pet owners mistakenly think that cleaning the dog’s or cat’s ears is sufficient for treating an ear mite infection. However, a medication is necessary to kill the ear mites. The veterinarian may provide a topical solution to treat the current ear mite infestation and prevent future infestation.

The antiparasitic medication must be given for up to ten days. The veterinarian may want to see the cat or dog after this time to check how successful the treatment has been. The veterinarian may also want to re-examine the cat or dog weeks later to check for a re infestation of the ear mites.

Any minor cuts on the ears due to scratching may be treated with an antibiotic ointment. The veterinarian may also thoroughly clean the discharge from the cat’s or dog’s ears.

A possible complication of an ear mite infestation is a ruptured eardrum. A ruptured eardrum can cause instability when the pet is walking. If left untreated, ear mites can lead to ear infections and skin disease.