Mary Allen
Drops and globules cannot replace the veterinarian, but they can offer an additional starting point – for a holistic treatment of the animal patient.
The ears of cats can be severely affected by various diseases and especially parasites. Ear diseases should not be underestimated, because they often mean a serious illness for the whole animal. Regular checks can help to identify changes at an early stage and prevent worse things from happening.
First Signs Of Changed Behavior
Regular control and care mean first of all observing the animal closely. Has his behavior changed? If it no longer wants to be touched on the head, this indicates pain. Scratching can indicate ear mites. Head shaking can be a sign of inner ear infections or foreign objects in the ear. If the animal no longer reacts to noises and is being spoken to, hearing disorders and even the onset of deafness can occur.
This Is How The Control Works
Even without such signs, you should regularly look at the freely visible part of the outer ear when brushing the animal. The best way to do this is to gently hold the head under the chin with one hand while the other hand gently massages and stretches the auricle. Most animals become accustomed to such an examination if they are petted or if they have been accustomed to it from a young age. In the case of touch-sensitive, shy animals that react aggressively to such examinations, nothing should be forced, but the veterinarian should be commissioned with the inspection. Under no circumstances should objects such as cotton swabs or similar be used to penetrate the inside of the external auditory canal. The risk of injury is far too great. If the animal allows it, you can drip ear drops suitable for cats – please hand warm – into healthy ears as a preventive measure. Baby oil can be used to gently clean the outer ear.
Detectable Diseases
Healthy pinnae are white with no plaque or debris. Crumbly, dark deposits indicate an infestation with ear mites. Healthy ears have no smell, so a strong, sour smell indicates inflammation or mites. The increased formation of earwax – healthy cats hardly have any – also points to possible diseases, for example, allergies.
In case of doubt, the veterinarian should always be consulted. Incorrectly or untreated ear infections can lead to serious complications such as meningitis and are preventable suffering.