Otodectes Cynotis Might Be Causing the Itch

Cats and dogs are afflicted with ear problems every day. Often these disorders are thought of as ear infections or wax build-up and are misdiagnosed
when they are not taken to a veterinarian for a closer inspection of the ear canal. More often than not, especially in cats, ear mites can be the culprits to your
beloved pet's affliction and can cause serious ear difficulties and hearing loss without proper treatment.

The scientific name for one of the most common ear mites is Otodectes cynotis and it poses some of the most abundant parasitic invasions our pets can face. These little microscopic feeders live along the surface of the ear canal and feed on debris and secretions causing inflammation and irritation. If the infection is left untreated, the parasites can break the eardrum and migrate inside the inner ear and cause a very severe middle ear disorder. This invasion could ultimately prompt the animal to loose balance, experience disorientation, and possibly become deaf. Ear mites can also migrate to other parts of the body causing rashes and skin irritations. They are highly likely to travel to the tail area in cats and kittens as it is often wrapped around the body when sleeping or resting.

Some of the most common symptoms of ear mites include shaking the head, scratching the ears, and exhibiting a reddish-brown to black discharge that resembles coffee grounds. Cats will also display a rapid scratching movement of the back leg when its ear is rubbed (cats without an infestation rarely exhibit this). A veterinarian can further detect and confirm the presence of O. cynotis by looking at the ear of an infected animal through an otoscope or examining a sample of ear discharge microscopically.

The cycle of O. cynotis lasts about 21 days and involves four different stages.

"-Stage 1 Eggs: Female ear mites lay around 5 eggs daily during their adult life. The eggs hatch within 4 days.

-Stage 2 Larvae: The larvae feed for 4 days and then rest for 24 hours as they molt into the nymphal phase.

-Stage 3 Nymphs: Two stages of nymphs are recognized. Each feeds for 3 to 5 days and then molts to adult stage.

-Stage 4 Adults: The nymph has become an adult and is white in color, just barely visible to the naked eye.
(www.thepetcenter.com/gen/em.htm). "

At the adult stage, the ear mites are communicable from one animal to the next, and are highly contagious to any of the other animals in the household. Only in some rare instances have ear mites migrated to humans, so they are not considered zoonotic. Once O. cynotis has been detected, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately for treatment.
Various ear preparations are available on the market today to destroy ear mite infestations. The solutions available contain an insecticide such as Pyrethrin to kill the parasites, and control further infestations. Interceptor and Acarexx are commonly applied to the ear canal and used with products such as Revolution and Frontline to help rid of body infestations.

After obtaining proper medication ear mites can be controlled and cleared within 7 to 10 days of treatment administered twice a day (revolution and frontline are administered once a month.). Other animals in the household should be treated at the same time to avoid future outbreaks O. cynotis, as the parasite is highly contagious. A follow up visit to a veterinarian office should be scheduled for four weeks following the initial visit to make sure that the parasite is gone.

Ear mites multiply quickly and without proper management, can get out of control and bring great harm to the host they occupy and spread quickly among animals in a household. However, with early detection and the application of a prescribed insecticide, the persistent and irritating itch caused by O. cynotis can be cured.