Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ear mites and infections in rescue and hospital cats in the UK
By Tyler, Sophie et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2020·Bristol Veterinary School, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Otoscopy and aural cytological findings in a population of rescue cats and cases in a referral small animal hospital in England and Wales.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of rescue cats in England and Wales were examined for ear problems, specifically looking for ear mites and infections. Out of 341 cats, only a small number had ear mites, while about 38% had some type of microorganisms in their ears. Bacteria were found in just a few cats, and those with ear mites often had a lot of ear wax. The study suggests that while ear issues are common, serious infections are relatively rare in these cats. If your cat is showing signs of ear discomfort, it’s a good idea to have a vet check for these issues.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Otitis externa is seen clinically in cats, although studies investigating this condition within the UK are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence ofmites and microbial infection in the ear canals of cats in various rescue centres and a referral hospital. METHODS: Otoscopy was performed in 332 cats. Otoscopic findings were noted, including the gross visualisation ofspecies. A sample of cerumen was collected for cytological evaluation and a cerumen smear for detection ofmites if there was a large amount of aural exudate present. RESULTS: infestation was noted in 3/341 cats (0.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-2.6). A total of 129/341 (37.8%; 95% CI 32.7-43.0) cats were found to havespecies within one or both ears. Bacteria were found unilaterally in 9/341 (2.6%; 95% CI 1.4-4.9) cats. Analysis of the cytological findings showed an increased likelihood forspecies to be present as age increased (n = 293; Pearson= 0.204,<0.001). There was also an increased likelihood of findingspecies in both ears if found within one ear (n = 327;= 0.499,<0.001). There was a positive correlation between the number oforganisms and the quantity of aural exudate (n = 338;= 0.778,<0.001). Cats in whichspecies infestation were noted (n = 3) had moderate or large quantities of cerumen. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study shows that there was a low prevalence ofin this cohort of cats. In normal cats it was not unusual to findmicroorganisms upon aural cytology, bacteria were noted far less frequently and in two cats this was associated with underlying anatomical pathology.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30880543/