Ever wondered about Maine Coon ear problems? Well, We’re delving deep into the realm of feline otitis externa – that’s vet speak for ear inflammation.
Ear inflammation can lead to an abnormal increase in earwax, and excessive earwax accumulation in the ear may result in a decrease in a Maine Coon’s hearing ability. The occurrence of otitis externa is mostly related to bacterial, fungal, and parasitic (ear mites) infections, while food and allergic conditions may also cause recurrent episodes of chronic otitis. Otitis media is mostly caused by inflammation in the throat and nasal cavity, transmitted through the Eustachian tube. Additionally, the deterioration of chronic otitis externa caused by ear mite infestation can lead to eardrum rupture, resulting in the formation of otitis media. When there is inner ear inflammation, cats may exhibit symptoms such as a tilted head, nystagmus, and ataxia.
This article is your guide through this ear-related maze. We’re breaking down feline ear anatomy, uncovering the root causes of ear inflammation, and revealing the secrets to treating these pesky problems. So, Maine cat lovers, get ready to decode the language of your kitty’s ears and keep those adorable ears infection-free!
Contents
Causes and Impact
External otitis refers to the inflammatory response in the auricle or external auditory canal.
Auricular diseases encompass issues such as tears, abscesses, tumors, and hematoma. Common tumors in the ear include squamous cell carcinoma, mast cell tumors, or ceruminous gland tumors.
Additionally, certain external auditory canal conditions, such as bacterial or yeast infections, ear mite infestations, as well as allergies or tumors, may lead to inflammatory reactions in the external auditory canal.
This inflammatory response can result in redness and narrowing of the external auditory canal. The glands in the ear also secrete a significant amount of dark brown earwax due to inflammation, causing blockage and hearing impairment. Furthermore, it creates a moist and warm environment within the external auditory canal, promoting the growth of bacteria or fungi.
1. Bacterial or Fungal Ear Infections
Symptoms
External ear infections usually stem from bacteria or fungi, with symptoms including head shaking, scratching at the ears, and ear discharge. Severe and untreated infections, especially those accompanied by significant facial dermatitis, may result in narrowing of the ear canal.
In general, the occurrence of external otitis is due to alterations in the ear canal environment that favor the growth of bacteria or fungi. Through an otoscope, one can observe a significant amount of dark brown or yellow-green earwax, and in severe cases, it may be challenging to visualize the condition inside the ear canal.
Treatment
Maine Coons with severe external ear canal infections can undergo bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine effective antibiotics for treatment.
Applying ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungal components into the ears can effectively improve the inflammatory condition within 1 to 2 weeks. It is not recommended for cat owners to clean their Maine Coons’ ears with cotton swabs, as they may push earwax further inside. If ear cleaning is necessary, ear cleaning solution can be used to safely and effectively remove surface earwax. Alternatively, the external ear canal can be rinsed clean after sedating the cat.
2. Specific (Env Allergy) & Food Allergic Ear Inflammation
Symptoms
Specific allergic otitis externa is generally more common than food-related allergic otitis externa. The symptoms of specific and food-related allergic otitis externa may appear earlier than other skin allergies, and these symptoms may occur simultaneously. They may affect only the ears, usually occurring bilaterally. Such otitis externa often leads to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Specific allergic otitis externa is particularly prone to causing ear hematoma.
When infected with such external otitis, a cat’s ear canal becomes swollen, accompanied by a significant amount of yellow-brown discharge. There might even be a recurrence of discharge the day after cleaning. Additionally, the Maine Coon exhibits an intense and frequent scratching of the ears, head shaking, and, in severe cases, one may hear a “sizzling” sound of water.
Treatment
Maine Coons with severe otitis externa infections can undergo bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing to identify the bacterial strain causing the infection and determine effective antibiotics for treatment.
The approach to treating allergic otitis involves alleviating secondary infections directly, reducing inflammation, and removing earwax. Local ear medications, such as antibiotics, steroids, or antifungals, are administered for treatment.
For food allergies, it is necessary to first eliminate the allergenic food. This can be achieved by gradually transitioning the food to identify the allergen or switching to a low-allergen hydrolyzed protein diet. Substances in the environment that can cause allergies, such as flowers, pollen, and dust, should be minimized as much as possible.
3. Ear Mites
Symptoms
Ear mites are extremely small, white, spider-like external parasites that infest the ears of cats, leading to the production of a significant amount of dark brown ear wax. Your Maine Coon may continuously scratch their ears due to intense itching. Most cats contract ear mites by frequently coming into contact with other cats already infected.
Frequent scratching of the ears or vigorous head shaking, accompanied by an unusual increase in brown to black earwax, can be indicators of a concern. Some cat owners may notice that, despite daily ear cleaning, a significant amount of earwax reappears the next day. This is primarily due to ear mites stimulating the secretion of earwax from the ear glands. In some cases, excessive scratching can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and even hematoma in the skin around the ears, inside the ears, and the neck.
Through an otoscope examination, numerous tiny, white ear mites crawling inside the ear can be detected. By collecting a small amount of earwax with a cotton swab, translucent ear mites resembling spiders can be observed under a microscope.
Treatment
The lifecycle of ear mites is 21 days, so typically, topical parasiticides such as Advocate or Milbemite are used for at least 3 to 4 weeks to treat them. If there are other uninfected cats at home, they should also receive topical parasiticides to prevent ear mite infection.
More importantly, prevention is key. Avoid direct contact with infected cats. If a new cat is introduced to the household, besides a thorough examination, it must be isolated for at least a month. Additionally, applying topical anti-parasitic medication monthly can also serve as a preventive measure.
Caring for Coonie Cat Ears: Routine Cleaning Simplified
In healthy cats, ears typically do not accumulate excessive earwax unless there are issues such as ear mites or infections. If the ears do not have earwax or an unpleasant odor, there is no need for daily cleaning with ear cleaning solution. Overcleaning can sometimes lead to ear inflammation, so cleaning 1-2 times a month is generally sufficient.
The steps for daily cleaning are as follows:
- Step 1: Dampen small pieces of cotton with ear cleaning solution. Since most earwax in Maine Coon cats is oily, regular saline solution may not clean it effectively. Therefore, ear cleaning solution is used for ear cleaning.
- Step 2: Gently turn the Coon’s ear flap outward with the index finger of your left hand while holding the cat’s head steady with your right hand, which is holding the dampened cotton with ear cleaning solution.
- Step 3: Wipe the visible outer part of the ear. It is unnecessary to deliberately use cotton swabs to clean the inside of the ear, as it can risk injuring the Maine Coon’s ears and push earwax further inside. Earwax from the ear canal is typically expelled when the cat shakes its head.
Final Thoughts
As we delve into the complex realm of Maine Coon ear issues, armed with knowledge, we empower ourselves to protect our feline buddies. Remember, the trick is not just in curing but also in preventing. By spotting signs, understanding causes, and taking proactive steps, we ensure our cherished fluffy companion live without the discomfort of ear problems.
Certainly! If you’re looking to gather more information about caring for the ears of Maine Coons, feel free to explore our comprehensive guide on ear care for these magnificent felines on our website.
