How do vets check for ear mites?
A diagnosis is made by observing the mite. This is usually straightforward and may be done either by examination of the pet’s ears with an otoscope or by microscopic examination of discharge from the ear. If the ears are very sore, the pet may need to be sedated to allow the ears to be properly examined and treated.
What to do if your dog has mites in his ear?
Your vet may take skin scrapings for laboratory analysis, take ear swabs and place them in mineral oil to identify the mites under the microscope, and/or use an otoscope (an instrument used to look inside the ear) to look for mites in your dog’s ear canals.
When to take a dog with an ear infection to the vet?
Step 1: Examine a swab of the infection under the microscope to decide if it’s a yeast infection or bacteria (or very, very rarely, ear mites) Step 2: If a bacterial ear infection is suspected, send a sample to the lab for culture Step 3: Clean the ear, using a prescription veterinary ear cleaner
What causes ear infections in dogs and cats?
Infection with ear mites is caused by the Otodectes cynotis mite. This mite will live and reproduce in the ear canal of dogs and cats, surviving by feeding on the skin and wax lining the canal. The ear canals become inflamed and irritated as a result of the mites’ feeding.
How often should I put medication in my dog’s ears?
Ear mites can be treated on an outpatient basis. Older and over-the-counter ear mite treatments involve putting medication in your dog’s ears once a day for 10 to 30 days, depending on the product you use.
What should I do if my dog has mites in his ear?
The first thing the vet will do is examine the ear canal and the discharges from the ear for the presence of mites. They can be easily spotted by your veterinarian with the aid of an otoscope. The next step would be a thorough ear cleaning for your dog.
Step 1: Examine a swab of the infection under the microscope to decide if it’s a yeast infection or bacteria (or very, very rarely, ear mites) Step 2: If a bacterial ear infection is suspected, send a sample to the lab for culture Step 3: Clean the ear, using a prescription veterinary ear cleaner
Ear mites can be treated on an outpatient basis. Older and over-the-counter ear mite treatments involve putting medication in your dog’s ears once a day for 10 to 30 days, depending on the product you use.
Which is the best medicine for ear mites?
Pyrethrin – Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that’s produced by certain species of the Chrysanthemum plant. Pyrethrins are fast acting and highly effective at eradicating cold blooded parasites like fleas and ticks. Piperonyl butoxide – this is an organic compound that’s commonly used as a component of pesticide solutions.
What lab test is used to diagnose ear mites?
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam and then, if needed, standard laboratory tests such as a blood count and blood profile, urinalysis and electrolyte tests to screen for other diseases.
