Ear Mites

Ear mites are parasites that are most common in young animals. They generally occupy the ear canal but can also inhabit the nearby tissues of the face. Pets are most likely to pick up ear mites from another infected pet.  Symptoms of ear mites include intense itching, irritation, waxy secretions, and strong odor. 

Diagnosis involves examining the inside of the ear canal and discharge from it, using an otoscope or microscope.   Ear mites feed on the waxy discharge of the ear and the first step in treatment is to clean the waxy debris. Topical medications can help in eliminating the mite infections while treating the secondary infections simultaneously. To prevent the infection from reoccurring, you need to treat all the pets in the house at the same time along with changing or washing the bedding thoroughly.