Inner Ear Infection in Cats

An infection occurring inside the ear is called otitis interna. Inner ear infections differ in the location where the infection occurs. Ear infections are usually bacterial, but fungi can also cause inner ear infections. The presence of dust mites in the ear canal is another factor that increases the risk of inner ear infection. In addition, foreign objects such as grass or seeds entering the ear can also lead to bacterial infections.

Inner ear inflammation in cats is a rare condition. An imbalance in the immune system or anomalies in the ear anatomy make a cat susceptible to inner ear infections. Inner ear infections can also occur as a result of repeated ear infections damaging the eardrum. Bacteria pass from the damaged eardrum into the inner ear, where they accumulate and cause infection.

Violent cleaning of an infected ear canal can also cause inner ear infections. Some ear cleaners cause discomfort in the middle and inner ear. A damaged eardrum allows the cleaning solution to penetrate very deep into the ear.

What are the symptoms of ear infection in cats?

Symptoms of ear infections in cats vary depending on how severe the infection is and how deep it has gone into the ear. Some cats show no symptoms. Some cats avoid chewing and appear to be in pain when opening their mouths.

One of the most common symptoms is head shaking. Cat ear infections can be quite uncomfortable for cats. To relieve this discomfort, cats shake their heads violently. Some cats even tilt their heads towards the side of the infected ear.

In cats with severe infections, loss of balance is observed. In some cases, the cat walks as if it is being pulled towards the infected ear and cannot walk properly.

In cases where the infection occurs in both ears, cats usually have difficulty standing and begin to shake their heads from side to side. Hearing loss also occurs in cats with inner ear infections.

Acute inner ear infection can lead to nausea and vomiting. If the facial nerves are damaged due to inflammation, the following symptoms may occur. These symptoms are;

• Drooling from the corner of the mouth
• Mama yemede zorlanma
• Dropping food out of the mouth
• Inability to close the eyes
• Dry eye condition
• Eye discharge
• Subtraction of the eyelid, lip, and nostril on the side where the inflammation occurs
• These can be described as symptoms of Horner syndrome.

Treatment of Ear Infections in Cats

Ear infection is a serious condition. Cats may not be able to eat or drink properly due to nausea and loss of balance. Therefore, they often need to stay at a veterinary clinic or animal hospital and receive intravenous treatment. Anesthesia is administered to the cat so that the inner ear tissues can be easily examined, a bacterial sample can be taken, and the ear can be properly cleaned.

Treatment of ear infections in cats is important, as is treating the underlying cause of the infection. Otherwise, the infection recurs. Antibiotic treatment is applied in bacterial infections. Antibiotics are given in the form of ear drops or oral medication. For the treatment to be effective, the medication must be used for at least 6-8 weeks.

In cases of fungal infection, antifungal medication is used. The duration and method of use of the medication are determined by the veterinarian. For successful treatment and recovery, it is important to use the medication as recommended by the veterinarian.

In cats with balance problems, it is necessary to prevent the cat from falling and injuring itself during treatment. These cats should be prevented from climbing stairs or climbing on high objects. Also, the cat's food bowl should be placed higher if possible, or they should be hand-fed. Nausea worsens when the cat bends down to eat from its food bowl.

Although ear infection in cats is a serious condition, it is an easily treatable health problem. Surgery is very rarely needed in the treatment of ear infection. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are necessary for easy treatment of the infection. Very rarely, a severe inner ear infection spreads to the area of ​​the cat's brain that controls breathing and heart rhythm. Inner ear infection very rarely leads to loss of balance or permanent hearing loss.