Pets Care

Otitis externa or inflammation of the external ear (including auricle and ear canal) is more common in dogs than cats. The Persian cat breed and kittens however, are more prone to ear infections than other cats breeds or older cats.

The main symptoms of feline ear infections include:

* Shaking head from side to side as the tries to push out the debris or fluids that accumulate in the ears.
* Excessive scratching of ears.
* Red and inflamed ears with an offensive odor.
* A black or yellowish discharge.

Ear mites are the most common cause of infection in a cat’s ears and lead to symptoms similar to ear infections. The average lifecycle of cat ear mites, from egg to adult, is roughly three weeks. In severe infestations, mites create an environment within the ear canal that results in secondary infection. Most of the times the mites have gone by the time you decide to consult a veterinarian but a significant amount of infection remains. A healthy cat is very resistant to ear mites but kittens are more prone to get infected. Dog ear mites, on the other hand can be a little bit more problematic.

Ear infection in cats can be caused due to several bacteria and fungus such as yeast. Sometimes it is a foreign body or a tumor in the ear canal that causes an infection. Since ear infections in cats are uncommon, if your cat shows symptoms of an ear infection it is necessary to consult an expert veterinarian. The cause of the ear infection in your cat may actually be related to a weak immune system.

The prognosis of ear infections in cats is good but if an underlying condition is left untreated it may result in a chronic feline ear infection. Presence of any of the two types of virus – feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus can complicate the process of treatment to a great extent. These viruses suppress the immune system and have a significant impact on the overall health of a cat. Cats that have been diagnosed for diabetes are more susceptible to recurring ear infections. These conditions can be identified with the aid of typical blood tests.

Chronic ear infections can potentially lead to a decision to close the ear canal completely. Medications can reduce the size of the swollen tissue in some cats but ultimately the cat may require surgical or invasive treatment. Regular and efficient ear cleaning while grooming can prevent secondary infection from ear mites. There are also home remedies for dog ear mites that are equally effective for cats, which you can use while grooming your cat. However, if your cat shows symptoms of an ear infection over a prolonged period, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian rather than letting the condition aggravate.

Reference:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/ear-infections.html

Although an uncommon occurrence, ear polyps can severely damage the ear drum of your cat if they are not treated in time. Ear polyps are neither breed nor sex specific but they usually occur in cats between the ages of 1 to 4 years. Ear polyps in cats produce symptoms that are almost similar to those caused by parasites like cat ear mites or other ear infections.

In addition to the normal symptoms associated with the ear mites infection like scratching and pain on palpating the ear, some of the symptoms specific to or indicative of ear polyps include:

* Inability to walk in a straight line.
* A tilted head.
* Droopy eyelid/s.
* Partial covering of the eye by the third eyelid.

Ear polyps are usually located in the horizontal passage of the ear canal and difficult to see without an otoscope, a medical instrument with a magnifying glass and light used for examining the tympanic membrane. The veterinarian might need to sedate your cat for the examination.

A polyp is actually a small vascular growth on the surface of a mucous membrane that appears almost similar to a squamous cell tumor. The first step in diagnosis is to get a biopsy of the polyp and remove doubts regarding a cancerous growth.

The most common treatment of an ear polyp is through surgical removal. Usually, the veterinarian pulls up the long stalk to which the polyp is attached and cuts it off. The problem with this simple non-invasive surgery is that the root of the polyp remains within the ear and can resurface within a short period of one to eight months.

A permanent solution is through an invasive surgery that involves the removal of the lower part of the bone surrounding the ear. Known as ventral bullae ostetomy, this is a delicate procedure and should be performed by an expert who is well conversed in the risks involved. Although the cat recovers within a matter of a few weeks, in rare cases cats may develop a permanent inability to walk straight and drooping eyelids.

The exact cause behind appearance of ear polyps is not known but the common perception is that they occur in reaction to an ear inflammation caused by bacteria or a virus known as calci. Ear infections are one of the most common occurrences in pets – the most common of them being cat and dog ear mites that can develop into serious infections if they are not attended to in time.

The best mode of prevention is by ensuring a regular ear cleaning regime and periodic removal of accumulated wax using home remedies for dog ear mites. A clean ear allows you to spot early signs of any unusual growth in the ear and therefore helps in early treatment. It will not be out of context to mention here that polyps can also occur in the nasal passages and throat that cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

References:

http://www.purinaone.com/catcare_cond_atoz_article.asp?ArticleNumber=59

http://pawpeds.com/pawacademy/health/polyps/

http://maxshouse.com/nasopharyngeal_polyps.htm

http://www.petplace.com/cats/cat-ear-polyps-vets-advice-on-cat-ear-polyps/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/cats/nasopharyngeal-polyps-in-cats/page4.aspx

Of all the organs in the body of a cat, skin and ears are the most vulnerable. While skin conditions are more visible, an infection in the ear requires keen observation and can be detected only if you are regular and observant while grooming your pet cat or dog.

Ear mites live by tunneling into the ear canal of cats. The automatic response of the cat’s body is to produce more wax to combat the invasion by cat ear mites. Severe infections give rise to an offensive smell. If not attended to in time ear mites can lead to secondary infections in cats.

Cat and dog ear mites cause intense itching compelling the pet to shake its head vigorously. This can cause abscesses or cuts. Treating ear mites at the first sign of their prevalence can save a lot of discomfort to the cat as well as owners.

Severe infection of ear mites may require you to visit your veterinarian for a properly cleaning of the ear. This procedure is so thorough that it might even necessitate a general anesthesia in certain cases. Mild to moderate infections are treated with topical ointments, injections and oral medication.

Many topical ointments kill only adult mites and are ineffective in eradicating the mite eggs. The entire ear mite lifecycle of three weeks is spent off the host. That means that topical treatment must continue for the total span of mite lifecycle. Topical treatments that contain antibiotics to contain inflammations and secondary infections are preferred as they require lesser time to show results.

Injections for treating ear mites in cats are not approved by the FDA but are still used by veterinarians. Depending upon the severity of the infection a course of two to four injections is normally used to eradicate mites.

Ear mites by themselves are not a very big problem if proper and timely attention is paid to their treatment. The problem starts when ear mites lead to secondary infection. Groom your cat regularly and pay special attention to its ears for signs of wax accumulation, thickening of the external ear (pinna) and bad odor.

The worrying fact is that ear mites may never completely disappear from the body of your cat. In such a scenario, prevention is the best cure. Some very effective home remedies for dog ear mites block the breathing pores of mites to suffocate and kill them can be of great help for cat ear mites too. Periodic cleaning of the ears will save your cat from developing serious infections. In multi-pet homes this is all the more necessary because ear mites are highly contagious and can transmit to other pets as well as humans.

References:

http://earmites.org/common-cures-for-ear-mites-in-cats.php

http://earmites.org/

http://www.earmites.info/ear-mites-in-cats.php

http://www.practical-pet-care.com/dog_question.php?ID=2.2003081812280327

Apart from the difference in frequency, cats and dogs are susceptible to practically the same types of infections of the external ear. For example, cat ear mites maybe a less common occurrence than dog ear mites but when infested, can lead to similar symptoms and develop into serious conditions in both, if not attended to in time.

Minor Irritations – The first sign of discomfort in cats is scratching due to irritation caused by an infestation of parasites or infection due to injury or an allergic reaction. Some of the conditions are a direct cause of excessive scratching and itching when an initial sign of ear discomfort is ignored by cat owners.

Ear Mites – These are small external parasites that look like crabs. Ear mites in cats are easy to eliminate and this can be done simply by cleaning the ear regularly. However, in the absence of a timely intervention they can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. In severe conditions, mites can move further to the inner ear and rupture the tympanic membrane (ear drum). This may lead to seizures and deafness.

Bacterial and Fungal Infections – These are secondary infections and often a direct result of ear mites and poor grooming by owners. Ear mites create an environment that promotes yeast and bacteria within the ear canal. Since cats naturally resist ear infections, by the time you take it to the veterinarian, the mites may have vanished. But make sure that there is no secondary infection remaining.

Polyps – Polyps are small vascular growths that usually occur in cat ears and can lead to symptoms similar to ear mites like scratching and irritation. These need to be removed surgically lest they lead to permanent damage or the inability to walk straight.

Hematomas – These are one of the numerous secondary conditions caused by excessive scratching that lead to rupture of an external ear blood vessel. The vessel swells and fills with blood, which, in extreme manifestations, can block the ear canal totally.

Chronic Conditions – All primary infections need to be attended to seriously. Left untreated, all of them develop into severe and chronic infections. Chronic infections can potentially affect a cats’ immune system and lead to life threatening conditions.

Prognosis of ear infections in cats is extremely encouraging. With proper diagnosis and treatment nearly all infections can be cured. Ear discomfort obviously always has an underlying condition that causes it. If the underlying disease or infection is not identified properly in its early stages, it can prove to be detrimental to the overall health of the cat.

Prevention is the best remedy for keeping ear infections at bay. Home remedies for dog ear mites like vinegar or mineral oil solutions can play a pivotal role in eliminating primary infections. Regular grooming with extra care to cleaning cat ears can go a long way in avoiding discomfort to your cat due to ear problems.

References:

http://www.petshealth.com/dr_library/earmite.html

http://www.pets.ca/encyclopedia/ear_infection_cat.htm

Pet ears infections pose a perennial problem, equally for owners and the specialists who are called upon to treat them. The fact that your pets have been domesticated and made to change their natural habitat is one of the major causes behind their vulnerability to attacks from infectious bacteria and parasites like ear mites.

The limitations of conventional medications, including side effects that lead to more problems than they are supposed to cure, has been instrumental in giving a boost to alternative therapies. These holistic therapies take a holistic view of disease. The relatively less popularity of alternative therapies like homeopathy stems from the fact that they are slow in treating an ailment. At the same time, the established fact that homeopathy attempts to remove the root cause of a disease and not just the symptoms, is not properly advertised.

Homeopathy is a treatment that treats the disease on the basis of how a disease manifests itself in an individual. It treats symptoms as the body’s own attempt to cure. Rather than trying to provide a temporary relief, it focuses on the condition causing an ailment. Having proved its mettle in treating human conditions, it is now being extensively used for treat pet ailments also.

Cat and dog ear mites remain one of the most common underlying conditions behind ear infections in pets. As in dogs, cat ear mites live in the ears of a cat and cause irritation and incite the cat to scratch its ears. If not handled in its early stages, mite infestation can further lead to:

* Increased production of wax in the ears.
* A black and dry discharge from the ears.
* A foul smell.
* Secondary infections.
* Aural hematomas – a localized swelling of a blood vessel.

Homeopathy offers natural remedies for treating ear mite infestation and does not have any side effects. The remedy aims at improving the autoimmune system of the cat. A strong immune system helps in combating any future infections.

Homeopathy suggests different remedies for ear infections depending upon the type of symptoms and behavior of the pet. For example Sulphur is advised for cats that prefer cool places. Psorium is indicated where cats love warmth. For intense itchy ears and sore ears, Rhus Tox is the most recommended remedy. For cats that show signs of a thick, sticky and foul smelling discharge, Graphites is the preferred remedy.

Being holistic in nature, homoeopathy lays more stress on prevention. Bi-monthly cleaning of ears is highly recommended and homeopathy has remedies for this aspect of managing ear infections also. A combination of Calendula Officinalis, Verbascum Thapsus, Pulsatilla Causticum, Conium Maculatum, and Kali Muriaticum is highly effective in eliminating ear mites and cleaning the ears. Unlike allopathic therapies, homeopathy does not restrict the use of home remedies for dog ear mites as both homeopathy and home remedies are based on natural products.

References:

http://www.leerburg.com/976.htm

http://www.moggies.co.uk/html/alt_parasites.html

Ataxia is the inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements. It can cause unsteady movements and a staggering gait. Ataxia in cats makes them move in circles and behave abnormally and this behavior is often very frightening for cat owners. Ataxia is usually caused by one of the following reasons.

* A nervous system disorders
* General weakness and anemia
* Deformities of bones, joints or spine
* Inadequate diet
* Muscular atrophy

The different types of ataxia occur due to the impairment of different nerves in the nervous system.

* Vestibular ataxia – a condition where the nerves related to the inner ear are impaired causing issues with maintaining equilibrium.
* Sensor ataxia – caused due to impairment of the nerves related to the limbs. This kind of ataxia causes unsteady gait.
* Cerebellar ataxia – caused due to disorders in the cerebellum. It can also cause explosive speech and nystagmus.
* Friedreich’s ataxia – is a sclerosis of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord and occurs mainly in children.

The brain function in cats can be affected due to genetic reasons or a high dose of toxins in vaccination. To diagnose the condition properly, one needs to study the history of medications given to the mother during pregnancy. One should research whether such a condition is prevalent in the other kittens of the same litter. Trauma and nutritional deficiency also need to be studied. After adequate study, if it is realized that the cause of ataxia is a genetic disorder, the following investigation may be required.

* Clinical examination
* EKG
* CT Scan
* MRI
* Cerebral spinal fluid tap and analysis

Sometimes ataxia can be caused due to simple infections that have gone bad. Cat ear mites are less probable than dog ear mites but they can still be a cause of ataxia. Inattention to ear mites in cats leads to numerous infections that can lead to ataxia. Although elder cats are known to develop immunization to ear mites, home remedies for dog ear mites can be used for preventing feline infections.

A good diet and nutritional supplements can help in curing ataxia. But the diet and supplements can help only if it has been caused by non-genetic reasons. Cerebellar, sensory and vestibular ataxias are neurological in nature and therefore no specific treatment has been discovered so far. At the most you can take refuge in symptomatic treatment and reduce the pain.

References:

http://www.fabcats.org

http://cats.about.com

Ear mites are a constant problem for all pets. The presence of ear mites can cause considerable anguish to the pet and the owner alike. Cat ear mites are contagious and pass on to other pets in the household. They can spread to other cats, dogs or other animals too.

The manner in which a cat reacts to ear mites can vary among cats. Some cats do not react or exhibit external symptoms even when they are infected with a large number of mites.

But some cats may show extreme symptoms at the presence of a small number of ear mites. It is therefore, hypothesized that different breeds of cats show different levels of sensitivity towards this condition.

The first symptom that surfaces among cats when they have ear mites is the presence of excessive wax in the ears. Mites often stimulate wax producing glands in the ear and this in turn can lead to inflammation and further complications.

Other symptoms that your feline friend can exhibit if she is infected with ear mites is itching and scratching. Excessive scratching can tear open tiny blood vessels in the outer ear and cause the ear to swell causing a condition that is known as hematoma.

Cats with ear mites also seem to have the ability to develop immunity towards this condition as against dogs with ear mites. This is believed to be the case since older cats seem to suffer less than kittens and younger cats. It is not uncommon to see kittens showing restlessness and other external symptoms even when they are infested with a small number of ear mites whereas some adult cats may not exhibit any signs of discomfort despite having a plethora of mites in the ears.

Other than itching and scratching, build up of dark wax and unpleasant odor can also be tell-tale signs of the presence of cat ear mites. The presence of ear mites in a cat can be confirmed by a simple physical examination of the ear or the wax taken from the ear.

The large mites can sometimes be observed by the naked eye. If the physical examination does not yield any confirmatory results and symptoms like itching, scratching and excessive wax continue, a visit to the veterinarian becomes mandatory. A medical examination is generally warranted that involves the use of a magnifying otoscope to detect the presence of ear mites.

Post diagnosis, medical treatment becomes a must since the mites are not likely to vanish on their own. They need to be killed or removed. Timely treatment of the condition is a must to prevent further complications like bacterial or yeast infections that can lead to seizures, deafness or a rupture of the ear drum.

The options that the cat owner has in such a condition are similar to those that are present for dogs. The choice between conventional remedies and home remedies for dog ear mites needs to be made before embarking on a treatment plan.

A healthy ear cleaning program should begin with regular cleaning with cotton balls and cotton swabs. Remember that cats and dogs have an L shaped ear canal so you will not hurt the ear drum.

To clean your pet’s ear, you can moisten the ear with green tea or use an acidic ear cleanser that does not contain alcohol. There are many natural herbal ear cleaners and wash on the market.

Place several drops of cleaner in the ears and thoroughly massage the base of the ear. You can use cotton balls or cotton swabs to remove all the debris and wax in the ear.

Since the ears are a nice warm environment, it is the perfect place for ear mites. Ear mites are so small that you can barely see them, although your pet can definitely feel them.

Ear mites cause itching and scratching which can result in sores, infections, and even hearing loss. When the body’s natural defenses are weaker than they should be, the ear mites can come back even after treatment. Many medications are effective in ridding your pets of these nasty creatures, but there are gentle and natural ways to get rid of them and keep them from coming back.

Green tea is a natural antiseptic that helps remove the debris left from ear mites. Make sure you let the tea cool first and then apply to the ear as described above. Do this remedy once a day for a month.

A classic way to get rid of ear mites is to put 3-5 drops of oil in the ear canal after thoroughly cleaning your pet’s ears. You can use mineral oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Avoid tea tree oil which is dangerous for cats. Oil will smother and starve the mites.

For extra strength you can soak a few crushed garlic cloves in the oil overnight. Garlic will help kill the bacteria that can lead to ear infections. You should do these oil treatments once a day for at least a month.

There are also several natural over-the-counter remedies that are effective in treating ear mites.

Once you have rid your pet’s ear of ear mites you need to take measure to ensure they do not return. Echinacea strengthens the immune system and makes it harder for the mites to thrive in the ear. A high quality natural food will also boost the immune system.

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For more information on dog care visit, http://www.dog-care-central.com

Signs and symptoms of ear problems in pets

Ear infections are very common amongst cats and dogs and can cause severe irritation and discomfort in your beloved pet. Some animals (i.e. dogs of the ‘hound’ family) are more susceptible to ear infections than others due to the particular structure of their outer ears.

Common signs of ear infection are:

* Shaking of the head and ears
* Scratching or rubbing the ears and face
* Discharge or even bleeding from the ears
* Foul smell coming from the ears
* Sensitivity to touching in the ear area
* General irritability

There are a number of causes of ear infection and common culprits include bacteria, yeasts and mites. Less commonly, allergies may have a role to play in inflammation and subsequent infection of the ears.

What are ear mites?

Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, are small, parasitic creatures that usually live in the ears of your pets causing severe itching and inflammation. These mites can also live on the head or body of dogs and cats – with the same effects. They are often large enough to see with the naked eye, can live off a pet’s skin for some time and are very mobile – allowing easy movement between host animals.

These mites are highly contagious and will spread between pets in the same household very easily. They may affect both cats and dogs and even humans may pick up these little critters.

Secondary infections in pets with ear mites are common and generally involve bacteria or yeasts.

What is the conventional treatment?

Usual treatment of ear infections in pets involves antibiotics and, in the case of mites, medications and products also used for flea control. In severe infestations and multiple pet households, insecticides are sometimes used for treating the house or living environment.

How can herbal remedies help?

As ear infections are so often treated with antibiotics, chronic and recurrent ear infections are a growing problem and usually occur with decreased immune functioning – a frequent side-effect of antibiotic drugs.

Natural remedies can treat and prevent infections of the ear without any of the side-effects and adverse effects on immune functioning that antibiotics do.

What is PetAlive Ear Dr.?

PetAlive Ear Dr. contains a blend of natural, herbal ingredients in a medicinal olive oil base, all specially selected to treat and prevent ear infections and ear mites without the side effects of prescription drugs or the health and environmental risks associated with commercial synthetic pesticides.

Ear Dr. can provide safe yet effective relief from your pet’s ear problems and helps to prevent the spread of mites from one pet to another.

Use PetAlive Ear Dr. To:

* Treat ear infections in dogs, cats and other pets
* Treat ear mite infestation
* Reduce inflammation of the ears
* Reduce pain, itching and discomfort and prevent constant scratching of ears

What are the ingredients of Ear Dr.?

PetAlive Ear Dr. Drops contain the following 100% natural ingredients extracted in a medicinal olive oil base:

Melaleuca alternifolia is also known as Tea Tree Oil and is widely used for external inflammation and to treat various skin conditions. This oil has outstanding anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and healing properties. Tea Tree Oil will soothe and reduce inflammation in the ear as well as treat any bacterial, fungal or mite infection that is present.

Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary) is well-known as a topical pain reliever and antiseptic/disinfectant herb. Several of the compounds in rosemary have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Calendula officinalis (Marigold) is an herbal ingredient used to treat skin problems and promote healing of wounds. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory and prevents infection with its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Marigold has been shown to assist the regeneration of damaged skin tissue.

Verbascum thapsus is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb. Verbascum thapsus is also good for healing of skin when applied topically and has a long history of use for ear conditions and in ear drops.

(PetAlive Ear Dr. contain no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How has PetAlive Ear Dr. helped others?

“My poor puppy has been scratching his ear and the side of his head against furniture and anything he can find recently – the itching of his ear was so severe that his desperate attempts to scratch even caused sores behind his ear that would bleed intermittently. Ever since using your Ear Dr. oil his ear seems to have cleared up – I am so relieved as it was terrible to see him in such a state. Thanks for a great product that works so quickly and effectively!” – Dana

“My dear old beagle has had almost constant ear infections in the last few years. The cycle of infection, antibiotics, new infection, more antibiotics was frustrating and soul destroying and his scratching and whining nearly drove us batty! My vet has a special interest in natural treatment and recommended your website – so I ordered the ear oil and it has been wonderful. Three months now without any sign of infection and – far from having to find new and more ingenuous ways to get him to take his antibiotics – Benji actually enjoys his little ear ‘massages’! Thank you from both of us!” – Julia

How do I use Ear Dr.?

The ingredients of PetAlive Ear Dr. are presented in a soothing olive oil base.

Hold your pet’s head gently to one side and allow the drops to fall into the ear canal. Massage gently to spread the oil into the ear canal. Repeat 2 – 3 times daily for at least 7 – 10 days. Re-apply at the very first signs of re-infection. In the case of chronic ear problems, apply once or twice weekly as a preventative.

Cats and small dogs: 2-3 drops in the affected ear.

Medium-large dogs: 3-5 drops in the affected ear.

Note: For external use only. Please consult your veterinarian should symptoms persist. May be used together with PetAlive Immunity & Liver Support for natural antibiotic effect.

How long until I see results?

Improvement in discomfort, itchiness and pain should begin almost immediately after applying the drops and will continue to improve over 1-3 weeks of regular use.

How long does one bottle last?

One 30 ml bottle of Ear Dr. will last for 20-40 days, depending on the size and needs of your pet.

1 cup of spring water,
1 rounded teaspoon of yellow dock (dried)

Steep 15 minutes and then strain thru a sieve. Cool to lukewarm and wash out cats ears once every three days for up to three to four weeks.