What are some causes of inflammation in the feline and canine ear?
Ear Mites: Seen more commonly in cats, especially if the cat is an indoor-outdoor cat or previously a stray. The mites make the ears intensely itchy and owners will often find evidence of self-trauma to the ears or skin around the ears. Usually mites are easily identified under the microscope (and sometimes during the ear exam itself) and treatment can be an easy-to-use topical product. All pets in a household, even those that are without symptoms, should be treated for ear mites when we diagnose a pet with this issue. Otherwise, asymptomatic carriers may be a source of re-infection. Food Allergy: This is a sensitivity or intolerance to an ingredient in the diet (usually the protein source). More common in dogs than cats. In dogs, it may occur at any age, but about 30% of dogs diagnosed with food allergy are less than one year of age. Ear infections are seen in up to 80% of dogs with food allergies and in 20% of these dogs, this is the only symptom. Sometimes other areas of the skin ar
