Otodectosis in dogs: treatment - drugs and folk methods to avoid sad consequences

What is an ear mite in a dog

The ear mite is a microscopic parasite whose size does not even reach 1 mm. It has a translucent gray-white body. With powerful jaws, the tick gnaws through the skin, and in the resulting passages lays eggs. Ear mites in dogs photo.

Subsequently, the wounds in the ears begin to become inflamed, pus accumulates in them. Parasite larvae feed on suppuration and lymph. They become sexually mature at the age of 3-4 weeks, then they begin to lay eggs. If therapy is not started in a timely manner, then this process will continue indefinitely. What does an ear mite look like in dogs in the photo.

What is otodectosis in dogs

Otodectosis is a disease caused by ear mites. In a short time, the parasite not only damages the skin, but also the eardrums, penetrating the brain and inner ear. Pathology progresses imperceptibly.

Most often, the owner notices alarming symptoms in a pet when most of the ear is damaged.

Also, veterinarians note that the activity of the tick is cyclical, i.e. turbulent activity is replaced by quiet intervals (no symptoms of infection). However, when the disease becomes severe, there are no periods of rest.

How can a dog get ear mites?

The ear mite is passed from one dog to another at any stage of development. When a pet experiences severe itching, it actively scratches its ears, spreading the parasite throughout the body. In other words, the tick and its larvae can remain in all places where an infected animal visits.

A dog can become infected with otodectosis:

• in contact with a sick dog;
• through household and care items used by an infected animal;
• from a person who has been in contact with an infected dog;
• from the mother (typical for puppies);
• through fleas carried by parasite larvae.

The reproduction of the tick is not affected by the ambient temperature, the length of the day, and other nuances. Since it settles in the ear canal, the parasite does not have periods of 100% dormancy. Dog owners should be careful even in severe frosts, minimize pet contact with other people's animals.

Ear mites in dogs: symptoms

You can recognize a tick on a dog's ear when a dark brown plaque with a fetid odor appears in the ears. It is formed from sulfur, pus, particles of the epidermis and waste products of the parasite.

This mass combines with pus from wounds and tick excrement, which provokes the appearance of severe irritation and triggers the inflammatory process. Also, the symptoms of the disease include:

• severe itching;
• redness of the skin in the ear canal;
• swelling of the ear folds.

The animal becomes irritable, constantly shaking its head, scratching its ears.

Diagnosis of otodectosis in dogs

Allergy tests, scrapings, or bacterial cultures may also be ordered. You can find the parasite at home. To do this, you need a cotton swab, a dark sheet of paper and a magnifying glass. Take a small amount of plaque from the ear canal and apply to the leaf.

If the pet is infected, then light gray parasites will be visible under a magnifying glass. At the beginning of infection, the mite population is minimal, and the parasite may not be detected.

Treatment of ear mites in dogs with medications

Therapy of otodectosis provides for the mandatory use of medications. Without the use of drugs, it will not be possible to destroy the parasite. The treatment process can take a long time, so the owner should be patient.

To protect against relapse, additional processing of the premises and care items should be carried out.

Before using any drug, you should consult your doctor, because. there is a risk of developing complications and an allergic reaction.

How to treat ear mites in dogs: drops

For the treatment of ear mites, the following drops are used:

1. "Surolan". It is used to eliminate the consequences of otodectosis: allergic reactions and inflammation. How to use: 3-5 drops in each ear for two weeks.
2. "Oricin". An effective remedy against ticks. It also helps to eliminate itching and has an anesthetic effect. Method of application: 2-5 drops in each ear (the dosage is prescribed by a veterinarian, focusing on the weight of the animal). Duration of use: 7 days.
3. "Leopard". It has an insecticidal effect, destroys gram-positive bacteria and blocks inflammatory processes. Apply twice 3-5 drops with a break of 10-14 days.
4. "Otoferonol Gold". Has no additional effects. Designed exclusively for pest control. Used twice with an interval of 14 days, 3-5 drops in each ear.

How to treat ear mites in dogs: ointments

The following drugs will help get rid of otodectosis:

1. Aversekin ointment. Possesses insectoacaricidal action. Does not help eliminate inflammation and itching. It is aimed only at the destruction of the tick. For treatment, the ointment is placed in the auricle twice with a break of 10-14 days (0,3 g per 1 cm2).
2. Sulfur-tar ointment. Complex drug against ticks. It has antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. Apply the ointment for 7-10 days, rubbing a thin layer into the auricle. Before treatment, it is not necessary to remove hair or clean the surface of the ear from scabs.

How to treat ear mites in dogs: aerosol foams

The following aerosols and sprays are used against ear scabies:

1. "Acaromectin". Highly effective insecticide. It is prescribed at the initial stage of the disease. It is aimed at the destruction of the parasite, it has no additional properties. The spray should be applied twice with a break of 14 days, spraying on the inside of the auricle.
2. "Anti-fly spray." It is recommended for the prevention of otodectosis and for the fight against ticks that have already settled. Not suitable for the treatment of otitis media, has no anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Apply to the inner surface of the ear. Re-treatment is carried out after 7-10 days.

How to treat severe otodectosis in dogs: injections

The most effective injections against ear scabies:

1. "Aversect 0,5%". It is not recommended to use it in conjunction with other antiparasitic agents. It has a wide range of effects on ectoparasites, incl. and ear mites. It is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly 2 times with a break of 10-14 days at the rate of 0,2 mg per 1 kg of body weight.
2. "Ivermek 1%". Effectively fights sarcoptoid parasites. It is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly (0,2 ml per 10 kg of body weight). Re-vaccination after 10-14 days.
3. "Otodectin". It has a wide spectrum of action against ectoparasites. The ear mite has a very low resistance to this medication. It is injected subcutaneously (0,2 ml per 1 kg of body weight). Re-treatment after 14 days.

Traditional methods of treatment

Treatment Scheme

Do not experiment with non-traditional therapies and waste time. You can get rid of pathology only with the help of medicines.

The owners need to be prepared for the fact that the therapy will be delayed for several months.

The doctor selects the treatment regimen and medicines individually for each dog. He also decides whether it is necessary to be placed in a clinic or whether it is possible to fight the disease at home. The treatment regimen for otodectosis includes several stages:

• getting rid of itching and pain (antihistamines and antiseptics are used);
• cleansing the ears of dirt and purulent discharge (using saline or a special lotion);
• taking acaricidal medicines (the brand and frequency of administration is determined by the doctor);
• treatment from external parasites (preventive measure);
• antibacterial and antifungal therapy (required for the development of a secondary infection).

When choosing a treatment regimen, the dog's age, general condition, and level of invasion are taken into account.

Treatment in the clinic

Treatment in the clinic is required if the vestibular apparatus is damaged. The doctor decides to place the animal in a hospital in order to be able to monitor his well-being and, if necessary, adjust the therapy.

In some cases, surgery is required, then the dog is also left in the hospital. In other situations, there is no need to leave the pet in the clinic. After the examination and preparation of a treatment plan, the dog is sent home.

How to cure at home

The first thing to do when diagnosing otodectosis is to clean the ears and ear canal well. This is an important stage in the fight against the parasite, because. dirty ears significantly reduce the effectiveness of drugs.

How to prepare a dog's ear for treatment

Before using medicines, it is necessary to clean the dog's ears from accumulated masses. If the animal resists, the treatment will have to be carried out together. Small pets can be wrapped in a blanket. For large dogs, it is better to wear a muzzle. When cleaning your ears:

• long hair on the ears must be cut before processing;
• use special lotions for cleaning;
• you only need to use chopsticks, tk. with a swab or disk, you can push the purulent mass deep into the ear;
• first clean the edges of the ears, then gradually move inside the shell;
• if the masses are dry, then moisten a cotton swab with chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide (but do not pour them inside, only spot treatment is allowed).

How to apply medicine or drip drops

When applying ointment or treating the ears with drops, you must adhere to the following sequence:

• the auricle is turned out, straightening towards the back of the head;
• the spout of the bottle with drops or packaging with ointment is injected into the ear in such a way that the agent can be dosed;
• after applying the preparation, the ear is returned to its normal position and gently massaged for 60 seconds;
• if the procedure makes your pet nervous, then distract him with a toy or treat.

Why are ear mites dangerous in dogs?

If you ignore the treatment of the disease or start it, then the risk of developing complications such as:

• death;
• hearing loss;
• brain inflammation;
• injury to the eardrum;
• accession of a secondary infection;
• mental problems;
• abscess of the middle and inner ear.

Can a person get ear mites from a dog?

The likelihood of human infection with otodectosis is minimal, but still a similar risk remains. The clinical picture of the disease is identical to that experienced by the animal: itching, inflammation, swelling of the ear canal, accumulation of dark purulent masses.

Prevention of otodectosis in a domestic dog

It is impossible to 100% exclude the possibility of infection with otodectosis. But a number of preventive measures will reduce this probability to a minimum. To protect your pet:

• Check your dog's ears regularly
• avoid contact with unfamiliar animals;
• if a dark coating is found in the ear canal, immediately contact the clinic;
• periodically carry out preventive cleaning of the ears (drugs should be selected by a doctor).

Pathology has a favorable prognosis if competent therapy is selected and the disease is detected at an early stage. In the first stages of otodectosis, the tick may disappear after the first treatment. In advanced situations, you will have to be patient, adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen, constantly treat the ears and strengthen the pet's immune system.