Ear Dermatitis in Cats

Ear dermatitis in cats present itself through clinical signs of scratching of the ears, head shaking and manipulated pinnae (outer ear structure). The highly pruritic condition can cause the blood capillaries inside the ear to rupture, causing a secondary condition known as cauliflower ear. The outer ear will then appear very swollen, red and cause the feline to hold her head to the affected side. In other cases which the inner or middle ear is infected, and left untreated, the sensitive structure can be damaged. Fluid buildup and ruptured ear drums can be the end result of an unattended ear condition, causing the feline to be unbalanced. To catch ear dermatitis in its early stages, cat owners should take note of the following symptoms: 

• Scratching of the ears
• Dry, scaly ears 
• Bleeding ears 
• Swelling 
• Malodorous ears
• Hair loss 
• Pain 
• Head shaking 
• Blistering of the ears 

Ear dermatitis in cats can be caused by various irritants including parasites, infection, traumas, allergens and sometimes even disease. Specific culprits for these categories of feline ear dermatitis causes include:

Trauma 

• Bites or scratches from cat fights
• Chemical injury 
• Burns 
• Lacerations 
• Haematomas: blood-filled mass caused by a blood vessel rupture underneath the skin of the ear. 
• Solar Dermatitis: ear inflammation caused by sun exposure. 
• Trapped foreign bodies
• Tumors of the ear canal 
• Polyps 

Infection 

• Bacteria
• Fungal 
• Yeast 

Parasites 

• Ticks 
• Fleas 
• Mange 
• Otodectic mange or ear mite
• Sarcoptic mange 
• Notoedric mange 

Allergens

• Mosquitoes 
• Food 
• Pollen 

Systemic Disease 

• Cancer 
• Cushing’s Disease 
• Hypothyroidism 

The treatment of ear dermatitis in cats lies dependent on the underlying condition causing the pruritic pinna. In most ear dermatitis conditions, the veterinarian will attend to the feline’s symptoms with pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. The ear will be cleaned, with medicated drops following, if applicable. In the case of ruptured capillaries causing the secondary condition known as cauliflower ear, the ear may need to be surgically corrected. The accumulated fluid and/or blood will need to be drained, plus the disfigured pinna will need to be corrected. If your cat’s ear dermatitis has not resulted in secondary conditions, the veterinarian may choose to treat your feline with one or more of the following: 

• Anti-parasitic medications 
• Hormone replacement therapy drugs
• Antihistamines 
• Antibiotics 
• Antifungal medication 

If the doctor believes your cat’s ear dermatitis is the result of an adverse reaction to an allergen, he may choose to conduct food trials or change the feline’s current medications. 

The treatment of ear dermatitis in cats lies dependent on the underlying condition causing the pruritic pinna. In most ear dermatitis conditions, the veterinarian will attend to the feline’s symptoms with pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. The ear will be cleaned, with medicated drops following, if applicable. In the case of ruptured capillaries causing the secondary condition known as cauliflower ear, the ear may need to be surgically corrected. The accumulated fluid and/or blood will need to be drained, plus the disfigured pinna will need to be corrected. If your cat’s ear dermatitis has not resulted in secondary conditions, the veterinarian may choose to treat your feline with one or more of the following: 

• Anti-parasitic medications 
• Hormone replacement therapy drugs
• Antihistamines 
• Antibiotics 
• Antifungal medication 

If the doctor believes your cat’s ear dermatitis is the result of an adverse reaction to an allergen, he may choose to conduct food trials or change the feline’s current medications.