Clean, odour-free, pale pink colour and a minimal accumulation of wax are indications of healthy ears. Check your pet’s ears regularly.

Signs of Ear Disease

• Unpleasant odour
• Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear
  and head
• Sensitivity to touch, often resulting in pain
• Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one
  side
• Black or yellowish discharge
• Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal
• Changes in behaviour like listlessness,
  depression or irritability
• Accumulation of dark brown wax
• Loss of balance or hearing and disorientation
• Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee
  grinds

Causes of Ear Disease
Otitis Externa, inflammation of the external ear canal and Otitis Media, inflammation of the middle
ear, are usually caused by ear mites, bacteria and/or yeast. Other possibilities include injury, debris or
a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. When seeking treatment, act quickly. If your cat has an ear
infection, he will be in considerable discomfort. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections while
antifungals are administered for yeast. Your veterinarian will determine this during your visit and
suggest the best course of action.

Ear Mites are common parasites that are highly contagious, often contracted from pet to pet.
Excessive itching is the most common sign. Ear mites create dark, crumbly debris that look like coffee
grinds.

Aural Haematoma means blood has accumulated in the ear flap (pinna). The exact cause of this
condition in many cases is still unknown, but can sometimes be caused by vigorous head shaking,
scratching or trauma to the ear area resulting in damage to the blood vessels, often set off by
infection, mites, fleas or debris.

Deafness, usually brought on by age, trauma, loud noise or infection, can also be hereditary or
congenital. Unfortunately, once diagnosed with clinical deafness, it is a lifelong condition.

Prevention

Ear cleaning solution used on an appropriate basis can be helpful in maintaining healthy ears in your
pet.

How to Administer Ear Drops or Ointment to Cats

• Read the label instructions carefully for correct dosage.
• Pull the ear flap over the head, insert nozzle of treatment
  bottle gently into ear canal and squeeze out desired amount.
• Gently massage the ear area to help work the medication
  deeper into the ear canal.

IMPORTANT: Always administer medicine for the full treatment
period. When administering medication stay calm – your pet can sense if you are nervous making it
more difficult to apply the treatment. Always praise and reward your pet with a treat.