| Ear mite | |
|---|---|
| Otodectes cynotis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Subclass: | Acarina |
| Superorder: | Acariformes |
| Order: | Astigmata |
| (unranked): | Psoroptidia |
| Superfamily: | Psoroptidae (partim) |
| Genera | |
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Several, including: |
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Ear mites are mites that live in the ears of animals. The most commonly seen species is Otodectes cynotis (Gk. oto=ear, dectes=biter, cynotis=of the dog).
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Ear mites spread rapidly, and can be transmitted from even brief physical contact with other animals. In pets, ear mites most commonly affect cats, ferrets, and to a lesser extent dogs. Humans can be infected with ear mites.[1][2][3] Infected animals have a large amount of crumbly dark brown material in their ears. On close inspection, tiny white mites can be seen in the debris. Ear mites do not burrow as some mites do, but live within the ear canal.
The life cycle of an individual mite is about 4 weeks, with eggs hatching on the 3rd or 4th day after laying. Female mites are able to reproduce after about 3 weeks.[4]
The ear mite is the most common cause of ear infections in cats, quickly spreading from one cat to another through direct contact.[5] Ear mites cause inflammatory symptoms, similar to bacterial and yeast infections. Symptoms include itching and redness of the ears. Other, more serious problems can result from untreated infections, such as skin disease in areas other than the ear like the neck and tail, and deafness.[6]
Ear mite infection can be treated topically after removal of debris from the ear. Various antiparasitic medications are available for use in the ears. Households with multiple infected pets can be treated with oral or injectable ivermectin.[6] There is also a product labelled for treatment of ear mites in cats known as selamectin that is used on the skin and lasts for one month.
The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, is larger than Otodectes cynotis. It causes thick firm debris to form in the ear canal, and can eventually migrate to the skin of the outer ear and face. Symptoms include scratching and shaking of the head. Treatment includes injections of ivermectin and frequent cleanings of the rabbit's environment.[7]