Ear mite: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Common name of many species of mites that live in the ears of animals and humans}} |
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{{Taxobox |
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[[File:Ear mite 1.JPG|thumb|''[[Otodectes cynotis]]'']] |
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| image_width = 240px |
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| image_caption = ''[[Otodectes cynotis]]'' |
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| regnum = [[Animalia]] |
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| phylum = [[Arthropoda]] |
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| subphylum = [[Chelicerata]] |
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| classis = [[Arachnida]] |
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| subclassis = [[Acarina]] |
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| superordo = [[Acariformes]] |
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| <!-- [[Sarcoptiformes]] [taxobox code can't handle this - an unranked group between superorder and order] --> |
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| ordo = [[Astigmata]] |
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| unranked_superfamilia = [[Psoroptidia]] |
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| superfamilia = [[Psoroptidae]] <small>(''partim'')</small>{{Verify source|date=December 2007}}<!-- possibly family Psoroptidae, whole or in part --> |
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| subdivision_ranks = [[Genera]] |
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| subdivision = |
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Several, including:<br /> |
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''[[Otodectes]]''<br /> |
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''[[Psoroptes]]'' |
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}} |
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'''Ear mites''' are [[mite]]s that live in the [[ear]]s of animals |
'''Ear mites''' are [[mite]]s that live in the [[ear]]s of animals. The most commonly seen [[species]] in veterinary medicine is ''[[Otodectes cynotis]]'' (Gk. ''oto''=ear, ''dectes''=biter, ''cynotis''=of the dog). This species, despite its name, is also responsible for 90% of ear mite infections in felines. |
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In veterinary practice, ear mite infections in dogs and cats may present as a disease that causes intense itching in one or both ears, which in turn triggers scratching at the affected ear. An unusually dark colored ear wax ([[cerumen]]) may also be produced. Cats, as well as dogs with erect ears that have control over ear direction, may be seen with one or both ear pinnas held at an odd or flattened angle. |
In veterinary practice, ear mite infections in dogs and cats may present as a disease that causes intense itching in one or both ears, which in turn triggers scratching at the affected ear. An unusually dark colored ear wax ([[cerumen]]) may also be produced. Cats, as well as dogs with erect ears that have control over ear direction, may be seen with one or both ear pinnas held at an odd or flattened angle. |
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The most common lesion associated with ear mites is an open or crusted ("scabbed") skin wound at the back or base of the ear, caused by abrasion of the skin by hind limb claws, as the ear has been scratched in an attempt to relieve the itching. This lesion often becomes secondarily infected and crusted from ordinary skin bacteria, so that the common presentation of ear mites is such a wound appearing on the back or base of one or both ears. This is accompanied by the |
The most common lesion associated with ear mites is an open or crusted ("scabbed") skin wound at the back or base of the ear, caused by abrasion of the skin by hind limb claws, as the ear has been scratched in an attempt to relieve the itching. This lesion often becomes secondarily infected and crusted from ordinary skin bacteria, so that the common presentation of ear mites is such a wound appearing on the back or base of one or both ears. This is accompanied by the pinnal-pedal reflex that appears as reflex scratching motions of the hind limb when the ear is manipulated (this test is positive as well in other mite infections of the outside and rim of the ear pinnas in [[mange]]). When the ear mite infection is treated, such wounds resolve spontaneously, and this resolution may be speeded with application of topical antibiotics. |
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The most common ear mite (as well as mange mite) treatments currently use the antiparasitics [[ivermectin]] and [[selamectin]], usually as topical preparations. Ivermectin is available as a direct water-based liquid that is squeezed into the ear canal and massaged at the base of the ear to distribute the medication. Selamectin is available as a once-a-month preparation that can be applied to the animal's skin, which prevents mite infestation over that time. |
The most common ear mite (as well as mange mite) treatments currently use the antiparasitics [[ivermectin]] and [[selamectin]], usually as topical preparations. Ivermectin is available as a direct water-based liquid that is squeezed into the ear canal and massaged at the base of the ear to distribute the medication. Selamectin is available as a once-a-month preparation that can be applied to the animal's skin, which prevents mite infestation over that time. |
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==Contagion== |
==Contagion== |
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Ear mites spread rapidly, and can be |
Ear mites spread rapidly, and can be transmitted from even brief physical contact with other animals. In pets, ear mites most commonly affect cats, [[ferret]]s, and to a lesser extent dogs. Humans can rarely be infected with ear mites.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=17488924 |year=2007 |last1=Al-Arfaj |first1=AM |last2=Mullen |first2=GR |last3=Rashad |first3=R |last4=Abdel-Hameed |first4=A |last5=Oconnor |first5=BM |last6=Alkhalife |first6=IS |last7=Dute |first7=RR |title=A human case of otoacariasis involving a histiostomatid mite (Acari: Histiostomatidae) |volume=76 |issue=5 |pages=967–71 |journal=The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene |url=http://www.ajtmh.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=17488924 |doi=10.4269/ajtmh.2007.76.967|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pmid=19588062 |year=2009 |last1=Klemm |first1=E |last2=Haroske |first2=G |last3=Wollina |first3=U |title=Otitis externa and myringitis due to demodicidosis |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=73–6 |journal=Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica |url=http://www.zsd.si/ACTA/PUBLIC_HTML/acta-apa-09-2/6.pdf |access-date=2011-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425154643/http://www.zsd.si/ACTA/PUBLIC_HTML/acta-apa-09-2/6.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Infected animals have a large amount of crumbly dark brown material in their ears. On close inspection, tiny white mites can barely be seen in the debris, as they are nearly microscopic. Ear mites do not burrow as some mites do, but live within the [[ear canal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ear-mites-tiny-critters-can-pose-major-threat|title=Ear Mites: Tiny Critters that can Pose a Major Threat|website=Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine|date=10 October 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mountainviewvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/EAR-MITES-Mtn-View.pdf|title=Otodectes cynotis|website=Mountain View Veterinary Clinic|access-date=2018-07-25|archive-date=2016-09-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911021301/http://mountainviewvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/EAR-MITES-Mtn-View.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Life cycle== |
==Life cycle== |
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The life cycle of an individual mite is about |
The life cycle of an individual mite is about four weeks, with eggs hatching on the third or fourth day after laying. Female mites are able to reproduce after about three weeks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ear Mite: Otodectes cynotis |url=http://ipm.ncsu.edu/ag369/notes/ear_mite.html}}{{MEDRS |date=November 2011}}</ref> |
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==Consequences of infection== |
==Consequences of infection== |
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The ear mite is the most common cause of ear infections in cats, quickly spreading from one cat to another through direct contact.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.petsmd.com/cats-and-dogs/Ear-Mites.html |title=Ear Mites and Health Care for Cats and Dogs |publisher=PetsMD}}</ref> Ear mites cause [[Inflammation|inflammatory]] symptoms, similar to [[bacteria]]l and [[yeast infection]]s. Symptoms include |
The ear mite is the most common cause of ear infections in cats, quickly spreading from one cat to another through direct contact.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.petsmd.com/cats-and-dogs/Ear-Mites.html |title=Ear Mites and Health Care for Cats and Dogs |publisher=PetsMD |access-date=2009-07-06 |archive-date=2009-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719034450/http://www.petsmd.com/cats-and-dogs/Ear-Mites.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ear mites cause [[Inflammation|inflammatory]] symptoms, similar to [[bacteria]]l and [[yeast infection]]s. Symptoms include itching and redness of the ears. Other, more serious problems can result from untreated infections, such as [[skin disease]] in areas other than the ear like the neck and tail, and [[deafness]].<ref name=Griffin_2001>{{cite book |last1=Griffin |first1=Craig E. |last2=Miller |first2=William H. |last3=Scott |first3=Danny W. |year=2001 |title=Small Animal Dermatology |edition=6th |publisher=W.B. Saunders Company |isbn=978-0-7216-7618-0}}{{page needed|date=November 2011}}</ref> |
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==Ear mites in rabbits== |
==Ear mites in rabbits== |
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[[Image:Psoroptes cuniculi.JPG|thumb|''Psoroptes cuniculi'']] |
[[Image:Psoroptes cuniculi.JPG|thumb|''Psoroptes cuniculi'']] |
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The |
The rabbit ear mite, ''[[Psoroptes cuniculi]]'', is larger than ''Otodectes cynotis''. It causes thick firm debris to form in the ear canal, and can eventually migrate to the skin of the outer ear and face. Symptoms include scratching and shaking of the head. Treatment includes topical selamectin, or injections of [[ivermectin]] and frequent cleanings of the rabbit's environment.<ref name=Hillyer_1997>{{cite book |last1=Hillyer |first1=Elizabeth V. |last2=Quesenberry |first2=Katherin E. |title=Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery |edition=1st |publisher=W.B. Saunders Company |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-7216-4023-5}}{{page needed|date=November 2011}}</ref> |
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==Treatment== |
==Treatment== |
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Ear mites of dogs and cats can be treated with any of the spot-on preparations available from veterinary surgeons as well as over the counter at many pet stores and online. If the chosen solution does not destroy mite eggs, treatment should be repeated after one month, to catch the next generation of mites that will have hatched by then. Relief, in terms of the cat or dog no longer scratching at |
Ear mites of dogs and cats can be treated with any of the spot-on preparations available from veterinary surgeons as well as over the counter at many pet stores and online. If the chosen solution does not destroy mite eggs, treatment should be repeated after one month, to catch the next generation of mites that will have hatched by then. Relief, in terms of the cat or dog no longer scratching at its ears, will be noticeable within a few hours. However, since mite irritation is partly allergic (see [[scabies]]), symptoms may also outlive mites by weeks. Moreover, it may take topical antibiotics and several weeks to clear infected external wounds caused by scratching on the exterior surfaces of cat and dog ears. |
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Options for treating ear mites in rabbits are the related [[antiparasitics]] ivermectin and [[selamectin]].<ref>Frances Harcourt Brown (2001) ''Textbook of Rabbit Medicine'', Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd {{ISBN|0750640022}} {{ISBN|978-0750640022}}</ref> Both of these antiparasitics have also been used with good effect in cats and dogs. A topical preparation of 0.01% ivermectin ([[Acarexx]]) can be used directly as an oil in cat ears, and the related new generation drug selamectin (brand name "Revolution") is available as a once-per-month skin treatment for both dogs and cats, which will prevent new mite infestation as well as a number of other parasitic diseases. As with ivermectin, selamectin must be used with caution in collies and herder breeds with the possibility for homozygous [[MDR1]] mutations. |
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Common home remedy treatment options include household ingredients such as [[isopropyl alcohol]], [[acetic acid]] ([[vinegar]]), [[boric acid]], [[tea tree oil]], [[coconut oil]], and many other plant based extracts, in varying proportions.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=vet-organics.com|year=2014|url=http://www.vet-organics.com/dog-ear-infection-home-remedies/|title=Dog Ear Infection Home Remedies| accessdate=20 May 2015}}</ref> |
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A single treatment with a topical formulation containing [[fipronil]], [[Methoprene|(S)-methoprene]], [[eprinomectin]] and [[praziquantel]] was shown to be efficient for the prevention of ''Otodectes cynotis'' infestation in cats. Methoprene is able to prevent eggs from hatching and stop mites from maturing; the rest are all parasite-killing drugs.<ref>Beugnet, F., Bouhsira, É., Halos, L. & Franc, M. 2014: Preventive efficacy of a topical combination of fipronil (S)-methoprene - eprinomectin - praziquantel against ear mite (''Otodectes cynotis'') infestation of cats through a natural infestation model. Parasite, 21, 40. {{doi|10.1051/parasite/2014042}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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[[Category:Parasitic acari]] |
[[Category:Parasitic acari]] |
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[[Category:Veterinary entomology]] |
[[Category:Veterinary entomology]] |
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[[Category:Arthropod common names]] |
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Revision as of 14:12, 13 June 2024
Ear mites are mites that live in the ears of animals. The most commonly seen species in veterinary medicine is Otodectes cynotis (Gk. oto=ear, dectes=biter, cynotis=of the dog). This species, despite its name, is also responsible for 90% of ear mite infections in felines.
In veterinary practice, ear mite infections in dogs and cats may present as a disease that causes intense itching in one or both ears, which in turn triggers scratching at the affected ear. An unusually dark colored ear wax (cerumen) may also be produced. Cats, as well as dogs with erect ears that have control over ear direction, may be seen with one or both ear pinnas held at an odd or flattened angle.
The most common lesion associated with ear mites is an open or crusted ("scabbed") skin wound at the back or base of the ear, caused by abrasion of the skin by hind limb claws, as the ear has been scratched in an attempt to relieve the itching. This lesion often becomes secondarily infected and crusted from ordinary skin bacteria, so that the common presentation of ear mites is such a wound appearing on the back or base of one or both ears. This is accompanied by the pinnal-pedal reflex that appears as reflex scratching motions of the hind limb when the ear is manipulated (this test is positive as well in other mite infections of the outside and rim of the ear pinnas in mange). When the ear mite infection is treated, such wounds resolve spontaneously, and this resolution may be speeded with application of topical antibiotics.
The most common ear mite (as well as mange mite) treatments currently use the antiparasitics ivermectin and selamectin, usually as topical preparations. Ivermectin is available as a direct water-based liquid that is squeezed into the ear canal and massaged at the base of the ear to distribute the medication. Selamectin is available as a once-a-month preparation that can be applied to the animal's skin, which prevents mite infestation over that time.
Contagion
Ear mites spread rapidly, and can be transmitted from even brief physical contact with other animals. In pets, ear mites most commonly affect cats, ferrets, and to a lesser extent dogs. Humans can rarely be infected with ear mites.[1][2] Infected animals have a large amount of crumbly dark brown material in their ears. On close inspection, tiny white mites can barely be seen in the debris, as they are nearly microscopic. Ear mites do not burrow as some mites do, but live within the ear canal.[3][4]
Life cycle
The life cycle of an individual mite is about four weeks, with eggs hatching on the third or fourth day after laying. Female mites are able to reproduce after about three weeks.[5]
Consequences of infection
The ear mite is the most common cause of ear infections in cats, quickly spreading from one cat to another through direct contact.[6] Ear mites cause inflammatory symptoms, similar to bacterial and yeast infections. Symptoms include itching and redness of the ears. Other, more serious problems can result from untreated infections, such as skin disease in areas other than the ear like the neck and tail, and deafness.[7]
Ear mites in rabbits
The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, is larger than Otodectes cynotis. It causes thick firm debris to form in the ear canal, and can eventually migrate to the skin of the outer ear and face. Symptoms include scratching and shaking of the head. Treatment includes topical selamectin, or injections of ivermectin and frequent cleanings of the rabbit's environment.[8]
Treatment
Ear mites of dogs and cats can be treated with any of the spot-on preparations available from veterinary surgeons as well as over the counter at many pet stores and online. If the chosen solution does not destroy mite eggs, treatment should be repeated after one month, to catch the next generation of mites that will have hatched by then. Relief, in terms of the cat or dog no longer scratching at its ears, will be noticeable within a few hours. However, since mite irritation is partly allergic (see scabies), symptoms may also outlive mites by weeks. Moreover, it may take topical antibiotics and several weeks to clear infected external wounds caused by scratching on the exterior surfaces of cat and dog ears.
Options for treating ear mites in rabbits are the related antiparasitics ivermectin and selamectin.[9] Both of these antiparasitics have also been used with good effect in cats and dogs. A topical preparation of 0.01% ivermectin (Acarexx) can be used directly as an oil in cat ears, and the related new generation drug selamectin (brand name "Revolution") is available as a once-per-month skin treatment for both dogs and cats, which will prevent new mite infestation as well as a number of other parasitic diseases. As with ivermectin, selamectin must be used with caution in collies and herder breeds with the possibility for homozygous MDR1 mutations.
A single treatment with a topical formulation containing fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel was shown to be efficient for the prevention of Otodectes cynotis infestation in cats. Methoprene is able to prevent eggs from hatching and stop mites from maturing; the rest are all parasite-killing drugs.[10]
References
- ^ Al-Arfaj, AM; Mullen, GR; Rashad, R; Abdel-Hameed, A; Oconnor, BM; Alkhalife, IS; Dute, RR (2007). "A human case of otoacariasis involving a histiostomatid mite (Acari: Histiostomatidae)". The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 76 (5): 967–71. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2007.76.967. PMID 17488924.
- ^ Klemm, E; Haroske, G; Wollina, U (2009). "Otitis externa and myringitis due to demodicidosis" (PDF). Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica et Adriatica. 18 (2): 73–6. PMID 19588062. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-04-25. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ^ "Ear Mites: Tiny Critters that can Pose a Major Threat". Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 10 October 2017.
- ^ "Otodectes cynotis" (PDF). Mountain View Veterinary Clinic. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-09-11. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ^ "Ear Mite: Otodectes cynotis".[unreliable medical source?]
- ^ "Ear Mites and Health Care for Cats and Dogs". PetsMD. Archived from the original on 2009-07-19. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
- ^ Griffin, Craig E.; Miller, William H.; Scott, Danny W. (2001). Small Animal Dermatology (6th ed.). W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 978-0-7216-7618-0.[page needed]
- ^ Hillyer, Elizabeth V.; Quesenberry, Katherin E. (1997). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery (1st ed.). W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 978-0-7216-4023-5.[page needed]
- ^ Frances Harcourt Brown (2001) Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd ISBN 0750640022 ISBN 978-0750640022
- ^ Beugnet, F., Bouhsira, É., Halos, L. & Franc, M. 2014: Preventive efficacy of a topical combination of fipronil (S)-methoprene - eprinomectin - praziquantel against ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestation of cats through a natural infestation model. Parasite, 21, 40. doi:10.1051/parasite/2014042