What to do about fluid discharge from middle ear inflammation caused by ear mites in cats

Cats suffering from ear mites experience inflammation caused by the parasites living in their ear canals, which is highly contagious and itchy. Clinical symptoms include frequent ear scratching, shaking the head, and brownish-colored waxy or scaly discharge from the external auditory canal. This often leads to ear hematomas or skin injuries caused by scratching, and bacterial infections in the ear canal can cause suppurative otitis media.

Clinical symptoms of ear hematomas and otitis media

Ear hematoma: The inner side of the ear rapidly swells, the skin turns purple, and there is a fluctuating, warm, painful sensation. Palpation may reveal a blood-filled sac, which can be drained by puncture. If infection occurs, a abscess may form. Otitis media: Affected cats show restlessness, shake their heads, and have sensitive and painful ears. They may refuse to be touched, and the ear canal skin is congested, swollen, and contains brown-yellow purulent discharge.

Symptomatic drug treatment recommendations

First, clean the ear canal with pet ear cleanser, gently pressing the ear to ensure the cleanser thoroughly contacts the canal. Allow the cat to shake out the dirt naturally. Repeat this process 3-4 times daily for three consecutive days. After cleaning the ear canal, apply Frontline drops to each ear, two drops per ear. Repeat the process after two weeks.

Precautions

Do not use cotton swabs or hemostats to clean the ear canal, as this can push the dirt further into the canal. Let the cat shake out the debris naturally. During treatment, the cat should wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent eye and ear injuries caused by scratching.