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Question of the Week: Ear mites or not ear mites?

Kittens are the most common
victims of ear mites.

When your pet is scratching their ears or shaking their head, it’s common for many pet owners to believe ear mites have taken refuge in their pets’ ears.  However, while ear mites are common in some pets, most cases have proven to be bacteria or yeast infections.

Ear mites are most commonly found in kittens, and less often in adults.  These eight-legged parasites feed on the wax and oils in a kitten’s ear canal, and have a three-week life cycle.  If left untreated, ear mites can cause an infection that produces a dark, coffee ground-like discharge.  Ear mites are most often passed from pet to pet when they come in contact at home or outside.

Dogs are less likely to house these mites in their ears.  However, many infections are common in dogs’ ears and can develop from a number of factors, including hair growth, allergies, and frequent bathing or swimming.

The best way to diagnose what exactly is going on in your pets’ ears is to take them to your local veterinarian.  The doctor will inspect your pets’ ears with an otoscope, which allows them to see the entire ear canal and ear drum, and they find ear mites using a microscope.  Your veterinarian will most likely advise you to practice routine cleaning on your pets’ ears after treatment to help prevent future infections.  Check out our September/October newsletter for more about ear infections and how to treat them.  Please contact the Campus Veterinary Clinic if you have any questions concerning ear mites or infections.

2012-09-14
On: September 14, 2012
In: Question of the week
Tagged: dogs, ear infections, ear mites, ears, kittens, pet health
Previous Post: Newsletter – September/October 2012
Next Post: Question of the week: Does my pet need glucosamine?

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Campus Veterinary Clinic
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Lauren Marie
Lauren Marie
5 stars Dr. Pierson and his nurses are incredible: super helpful, thoughtful and give the extended attention that is needed to make your pet (and you) feel at ease!
Bob Hernandez
Bob Hernandez
5 stars Can’t say enough good things about the folks that work here. Always have had good experiences and are so glad we found them.
David Zee
David Zee
5 stars I have frequented Campus Veterinary Clinic for a little over four years now. I have only positive things to say about them. The reception staff are attentive, warm, and efficient. The nurses are kind and do everything they can to make your beloved pet comfortable. The doctors are knowledgeable, comprehensive with their examination, and always communicate well with you. They avoid over prescribing medication as well. My cat once had surgery here and she was very well taken care of, and they proactively followed up on her recovery. A+.
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1807 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 549-1252
(510) 486-1726
Mon–Fri: 7:30AM–6PM
Sat: 7:30AM–3PM
Sun: Closed
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