9.14.2.

1 Ear mites
The ear mite Psoroptes cuniculi inhabits the auditory canal, although
infection can spread to other areas such as the perineal skin folds (Yeatts,
1994) and ventral abdomen (Cutler, 1998). Otitis externa caused by ear
mites has already been described (see Section 9.9). There is a report
of Psoroptes cuniculi infestation of a guinea pig that was kept with a rabbit
which had ear mites. The guinea pig was severely affected with generalized
scaling and crusting and Psoroptes cuniculi mites were identified on the
ears and legs (Yeatts, 1994).
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Skin Diseases
Revised and updated byMolly Varga Smith BVetMed, DZooMed, MRCVS, in Textbook
of Rabbit Medicine (Third Edition), 2023
8.15.3.1 Ear Mites
The ear mite P. cuniculi inhabits the auditory canal, although infection can
spread to other areas such as the perineal skin folds (Yeatts, 1994) and
ventral abdomen (Cutler, 1998). Otitis externa caused by ear mites has
already been described (see Section 8.9). There is a report of P.
cuniculi infestation of a guinea pig that was kept with a rabbit that had ear
mites. The guinea pig was severely affected with generalized scaling and
crusting, and P. cuniculi mites were identified on the ears and legs (Yeatts,
1994).
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Skin Diseases
Molly Varga BVetMed DZooMed MRCVS, in Textbook of Rabbit Medicine (Second
Edition), 2014
7.14.3.1 Ear mites
The ear mite P. cuniculi inhabits the auditory canal, although infection can
spread to other areas such as the perineal skin folds (Yeatts, 1994) and
ventral abdomen (Cutler, 1998). Otitis externa caused by ear mites has
already been described (see Section 7.9). There is a report
of P. cuniculi infestation of a guinea pig that was kept with a rabbit which
had ear mites. The guinea pig was severely affected with generalized
scaling and crusting and P. cuniculi mites were identified on the ears and
legs (Yeatts, 1994).
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Dermatology
Karen A. Moriello, Daniel O. Morris, in The Cat, 2012
Otodectes Infestations
Ear mite infestations are one of the most common causes
of otitis in cats and one of the most successfully “treatable and curable” ear
diseases of cats (see previous discussion). In one survey it was found to be
the cause of otitis in 25% of cats presented for otitis.92 Complications are
uncommon when proper treatment has been administered. Complications
with the treatment of ear mite infestations include the following:
•
Suppurative OE and OM
•
Severe head and neck pruritus
•
Otodectic whole body mange
•
Classic infestation treatment failures
•
Subclinical infestations
•
Aural hematomas
•
Deformed ear pinnae and chronic recurrent yeast infections (Figure
22-59)
•
Concretions in the external ear canal, middle ear, or both
The most common complication of ear mite infestations is an aural
hematoma. Optimal management that will minimize recurrence and
deformation of the ears includes surgical drainage of the blood and through-
and-through suturing of the pinna to close the dead space. Obviously, the
underlying cause must be addressed. Unlike the situation in dogs, atopic
dermatitis does not appear to be a common trigger in cats.
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Primary Causes of Ear Disease
Louis N. Gotthelf DVM, in Small Animal Ear Diseases (Second Edition), 2005
Ear Mites
Ear mites are the most common parasites found in the ear canals
of dogs and cats. We are all too familiar with Otodectes mites causing
severe damage to the lining of the ear canal, with the resulting “coffee
grounds” exudate composed of wax, blood, and epithelial cells. The ear mite
has been identified in a number of animal species, both domestic and wild.
A nonburrowing psoroptic mite, the ear mite feeds on epithelial cell lymph
and blood. They have chewing mouthparts that can cause damage to the
epithelium. In dogs and cats, ear mites can cause a severely pruritic
parasitic otitis that is commonly associated with a bacterial infection and
otitis media.
A unique result of Otodectes infestation in the cat is a systemic
hypersensitivity reaction. Known as otodectic mange, this skin disease
resembles miliary dermatitis, a papular, crusty eruption found around the
neck and head, dorsolumbar area, and inguinal area. When an ear mite–
infected cat sleeps with its ear in the flank, the ear mites can leave the ear
canal and get on the skin. A similar transfer occurs when an infected cat
scratches the ear and the mites get on the paw. Those mites in an ectopic
location migrate along the skin and feed. This results in a hypersensitivity
reaction to the mite antigens absorbed across the damaged epithelium.
Experimentally, infected cats showed an immediate hypersensitivity
reaction to an intradermal mite extract. Cats infected for 35 days showed an
Arthus (Type III) reaction. Serum precipitating antibodies were noted 45
days after infection. When cats with miliary dermatitis do not respond to
systemic steroids, such as methylprednisolone acetate (DepoMedrol, Pfizer),
or to flea-control measures, otodectic mange should be considered and the
cat should be treated for Otodectes using a systemic acaricide such
as ivermectin, fipronil, or sealmectin.
A cat affected with ear mites shakes its head violently and scratches at the
ears. Facial abrasions and hair loss may be evident between the lateral
canthus of the eyelid and the ear. When examined, the ear canals display
the typical reddish-brown to black, dried, crusty exudates. The brown color
is presumed to be from dried wax mixed with blood products. On otoscopic
examination, the mites can be seen as white insects crawling on the surface
of the exudates.
If the otoscope is held very steady, the mite activity increases, because the
light arouses the mites and makes them more active. When viewed with a
video otoscope (Video Vetscope, MedRx, Inc., Largo, Florida), which has a
high magnification and a bright light source, the mites can often be seen in
colonies, with thousands of mites scurrying about (Figure 5-1).
In cases of ear mites in dogs, only a few mites may inhabit the ear canal.
They often elude otoscopic or microscopic detection. It has been theorized
that either severe inflammation in the ear drives the mites out of the ear or
the exudates in the ear canal destroy them. In either case there is a local
immune response to mite antigens in the dog's ears that makes the
environment hostile to the mites. The severity of the symptoms associated
with Otodectes may be due to the Arthus-like immediate hypersensitivity
reaction provoked by the presence of very few mites.
One useful technique for diagnosing ear mite infection in patients in
which Otodectes is suspected but no mites are seen otoscopically is a
mineral-oil roll smear. A small cotton-tipped applicator is saturated with
mineral oil and is used to swab out the exudates in the ear canal. The cotton
tip is then placed into a drop of mineral oil on a microscope slide, and the
tip is rolled back and forth to remove most of the harvested material from
the cotton tip onto the slide. The slide is then coverslipped and examined
under low-power (40× to 100×) magnification. Adult mites individually, or
often in duos representing breeding pairs, can easily be seen crawling
through the microscopic field. When few mites are present in the ear canal,
the typical long oval brown eggs of Otodectes may be the only evidence of
infection (Figure 5-2).
The ear mites live primarily in the ears, where they feed with their chewing
mouthparts on epithelial cells and blood. Female Otodectes mites lay
solitary eggs in the ear canal, and within 2 or 3 weeks of maturation adult
mites begin feeding. Ear mites are very prolific, and in a short time after
infection the mite infestation may be severe.
Although ear mites can live in the environment for a short time, direct
transmission of Otodectes from animal to animal is accepted as the usual
mode of transmission. Mites can jump onto any part of the body and then
migrate into the ear canal. Many affected 6-week-old kittens have severe
ear disease because they acquired Otodectes from their queens during the
neonatal period. In situations of high animal density, such as shelters, pet
shops, and breeding colonies, ear mites can affect the entire population. It
is rare for a noninfected, solitary, indoor cat to acquire ear mites.
The aggressive feeding habits of Otodectes cause damage to the epithelium
of the ear canal and the tympanic membrane. Ceruminous gland secretion is
increased and contributes to the quantity of the exudates. Secondary
bacterial infection may result from the loss of the protective epithelial
barrier in the ear canal; a contributing factor is the high serum-protein
substrates that are made available to the bacteria as a result. Damage to
the germinal epithelium on the surface of the eardrum from ear mites
prevents these cells from sliding across the eardrum as a cleansing
mechanism. This results in the accumulation of waxy material on the
eardrum, producing a wax plug. Ear mites at the eardrum can actually chew
their way through the thin tympanic membrane and invade the middle ear,
resulting in otitis media. Whether ear mites that reach the middle ear can
be involved in the formation of nasopharyngeal polyps has yet to be
determined.
Treatment of Otodectes has traditionally involved the use of ear drops
containing a variety of insecticides in a number of different vehicles.
Thorough cleaning of the ear canal, preferably with the patient sedated
prior to the use of any topical medication, hastens the therapeutic effects of
the topical medication. All ear mite medications contain insecticides, which
are placed in the ear to kill the mites. Some preparations contain additional
ingredients such as (1) ceruminolytics to help loosen the inspissated
ceruminous material, (2) antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infection,
and (3) mineral oil, which is used as a vehicle to float the debris to the
pinnal surface so it can be removed. Mineral oil may also have the beneficial
effect of blocking the breathing tubes of the mites and suffocating them.
Drops for ear mite infections need to be used for at least 14 days so that the
mites hatching in the canal are killed before the life cycle starts over.
Retreatment at monthly intervals has been recommended for free-roaming
cats with chronic mite infestations.
Because the anthelmintic ivermectin has been demonstrated to be a good
acaricide as well, it has been used for treatment of ear mites in dogs and
cats. Ivermectin is only approved for use in dogs as
a heartworm preventative. Injectable ivermectin (Ivomec 1% injection,
Merial, Ltd.) is used at a dose of 250 μg/kg or 0.1 ml/10 lb of body weight. It
is injected subcutaneously every 10 days to 2 weeks for two or three
injections. Because it is well established that ear mites can live on the skin,
these injections treat the entire body. All contact animals in the
environment should be treated concurrently. Ivermectin can also be placed
in each ear canal as a topical treatment for ear mites, but this preparation
contains propylene glycol, which can be irritating to the ear canal.
Some severe neurological reactions and even deaths have been reported in
cats treated with injections of ivermectin. Kittens under 12 weeks old
treated with injectable doses that exceed 250 μg/kg may be more
susceptible to the fatal reactions than adult cats. The reason for this may be
linked to the age at which the blood-brain barrier develops in kittens. It is
hypothesized that without an adequately mature blood-brain barrier,
ivermectin can gain access to the brain in affected kittens and interact with
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, causing
neurological signs to develop. Because of this, a topical aqueous ivermectin
0.01% solution (Acarexx, Idexx) has been developed for use in the ears of
kittens 4 weeks of age and older. Another topical aqueous ear mite
formulation safe for young kittens is a 0.1% milbemycin oxime solution
(Milbemite, Novartis). These aqueous topical ear mite preparations are
packaged in individual foil packs containing 0.5 ml of solution in two
premeasured plastic applicator ampules.
Fipronil (Frontline TopSpot, Merial, Ltd.) and selamectin (Revolution,
Pfizer) are monthly flea-control topical preparations that have demonstrated
miticidal activity in both dogs and cats. In areas with high flea infestation
rates, the use of either of these flea-control products may also aid in
treatment of Otodectes. Free-roaming pets with these insecticides on their
skin may acquire new Otodectes mites on their skin, but the mites will be
killed by the residual insecticide prior to reproducing. This may act as a
preventative against ear mites.
Treatment for otitis externa secondary to Otodectes infection must not be
overlooked. Antibiotic and antibiotic-steroid ear drops are used until the
epithelial surface heals and the infection subsides. If otitis media is present,
the ear canal and the tympanic bulla should be flushed and suctioned
carefully to remove any debris that may have gained access to the tympanic
bulla.
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Biology and Diseases of Ferrets
Robert P. Marini, ... James G. Fox, in Laboratory Animal Medicine (Second Edition),
2002
iii. Ear mites
Etiology.
The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, which commonly infects dogs and cats, is
also a common clinical problem in ferrets (Fox, 1998g).
Epizootiology and transmission.
Ear mites are transmitted through direct contact with infested ferrets, dogs,
or cats (Fox, 1998g). The entire life cycle is completed in 3 weeks.
Clinical signs.
Ear mite infestation in the ferret is usually asymptomatic (Orcutt, 1997).
However, clinical signs may include head shaking; mild to severe pruritus
with inflammation and excoriation; secondary otitis interna with ataxia;
circling; torticollis; and Horner's syndrome (Orcutt, 1997; Fox, 1998g). A
brownish black waxy discharge is often present.
Diagnosis.
Diagnosis is based on direct observation of mites via otoscopic examination
or microscopic identification of the ear mite or any of the life-cycle stages of
the mite in exudate from the ear canal.
Treatment and control.
Several treatment regimens, including topical and injectable mitocidal
treatments, have been recommended (Orcutt, 1997; Fox, 1998g). A recent
study using three treatment regimens—two topical and one injectable—
revealed that topical treatments were more efficacious than the injectable
in reducing or eradicating ear mites (Patterson et al., 1999). Efficacy was
evaluated by microscopic evidence of ear mites in debris from aural swabs
taken weekly for an 8-week period. Topical 1% ivermectin (Ivomec, Merck
AgVet Division, Rahway, New Jersey), diluted 1:10 in propylene glycol at a
dosage of 400 μg/kg body weight divided equally between the two ear
canals and administered on days 1 and 14 of the study, was the most
effective treatment. All susceptible animals in a household should be
treated. Ears should be gently cleaned prior to initiating treatment (Orcutt,
1997). High doses of injectable ivermectin (0.2 ml of 1% ivermectin)
administered to jills at 2–4 weeks of gestation resulted in high rates of
congenital defects (Orcutt, 1997).
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Arachnida
Seppo Saari DVM, ... Sven Nikander DVM, PhD, in Canine Parasites and Parasitic
Diseases, 2019
Life Cycle
Ear mites live their entire life in the ear canal of the host, but do
occasionally wander out to the dog’s skin. Apart from the adult mite, the life
cycle includes the egg, larva, and protonymph as well as the tritonymph
(a.k.a. deutonymph) stages. Ear mites use skin secretions, tissue fluids, and
flaked dead tissue for nutrition. The male mites grasp onto the tritonymph-
stage mites (Fig. 9.55). It is not possible to distinguish male and female
tritonymphs morphologically from each other. It appears that the male ear
mite cannot tell the difference between genders either. Copulation takes
place, when the tritonymph has developed into an adult female through
molting. If the female reaches this stage before the male has attached to it,
the female remains infertile. If, on the other hand, the tritonymph molts to
become an adult male, the other male has wasted its time waiting for the
molting to happen. The female lays 15–20 eggs during its lifetime of a few
weeks. It fastens the eggs to the keratin of the ear canal (Fig. 9.56). Eggs
hatch to become hexapod larval stages, which through molting first become
eight-legged protonymphs and thentritonymphsand finally adults. The life
cycle usually lasts about 3 weeks. The transmission often happens between
the dam and puppies or otherwise in direct contact between dogs or other
pets.

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Fig. 9.56. Ear mite eggs in the keratin layer of the external ear canal in

scanning electron microscopy.

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ARTHROPOD PARASITES
Robert Kennis DVM, DACVD, in Small Animal Dermatology Secrets, 2004
6. Give three reasons for the diversity of clinical symptoms
associated with ear mite infestations.
1.
Ear mites are surface feeders and may be irritating. As inflammation
ensues due to localized trauma, there are increases in the amount of
sebum produced along with blood and ear mite feces, creating an
occlusive otitis externa.
2.
The host may produce antibodies against mite antigens, leading to
hypersensitivity reactions.
3.
Ear mites are not always confined to the ear canal. On cats, ear mites
may be found on the back feet and claws due to scratching the ear
canals. On dogs, the mites may be present on the face and neck and
occasionally the posterior half of the body. Ectopic mites may or may
not be associated with pruritus.
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Basic Approach to Veterinary Care of Ferrets
Katherine E. Quesenberry DVM, MPH, Diplomate ABVP (Avian), Ricardo de
Matos LMV, MSc, Diplomate ABVP (Avian), Diplomate ECZM (Avian, Small Mammal),
in Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents (Fourth Edition), 2020
Ectoparasites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are common in ferrets, but affected animals
may not exhibit pruritus or irritation. This mite species also
infects dogs and cats, and animals in households with multiple pets can
transmit mites to other animals. A red-brown, thick, waxy discharge in the
ear canal and pinna characterizes infection. A direct smear of the exudate
reveals adult mites or eggs. Because ferrets normally have brown ear wax,
the color or appearance of debris in the ear canal is not pathognomonic for
mites. At the initial examination, check for ear mites and do follow-up
checks at the annual examination in ferrets kept in multiple-pet households.
Several products, including selamectin, are effective in treatment
(see Chapter 9).
Flea infestation (Ctenocephalides species) is most common in ferrets kept in
households with dogs or cats. Ferrets with chronic infestations can become
severely anemic. Check ferrets during the physical examination for signs of
fleas or flea dirt. Treat infested animals with products safe for use in cats,
and institute flea control measures (see Chapter 9). Ticks are rarely seen on
domestic ferrets, and Lyme disease in ferrets has not been reported.
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Biology and Diseases of Ferrets
Joerg Mayer Dr. med.vet., MSc, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ECZM (small mammal), Dipl. ABVP
(ECM), ... James G. Fox DVM, MS, DACLAM, in Laboratory Animal Medicine (Third
Edition), 2015
iii Ear Mites
Etiology
The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, which commonly infects dogs and cats, is
also a common clinical problem in ferrets (Fox, 1998g).
Epizootiology and Transmission
Ear mites are transmitted through direct contact with infested ferrets, dogs,
or cats (Fox, 1998g). The entire life cycle is completed in 3 weeks.
Clinical Signs
Ear mite infestation in the ferret is usually asymptomatic (Orcutt, 1997).
However, clinical signs may include head shaking; mild to severe pruritus
with inflammation and excoriation; secondary otitis interna with ataxia;
circling; torticollis; and Horner’s syndrome (Orcutt, 1997; Fox, 1998g). A
brownish-black waxy discharge is often present.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on direct observation of mites via otoscopic examination
or microscopic identification of the ear mite or any of the life-cycle stages of
the mite in exudate from the ear canal.
Treatment and Control
A study using three treatment regimens – two topical and one injectable –
revealed that topical treatments were more efficacious than the injectable
in reducing or eradicating ear mites (Patterson et al., 1999). Efficacy was
evaluated by microscopic evidence of ear mites in debris from aural swabs
taken weekly for an 8-week period. Topical 1% ivermectin (Ivomec, Merck
AgVet Division, Rahway, New Jersey), diluted 1:10 in propylene glycol at a
dosage of 400 μg/kg body weight divided equally between the two ear
canals and administered on days 1 and 14 of the study, was the most
effective treatment. However, more recent publications suggest that
because of the anatomical characteristics of the ear of the ferret,
conventional treatment involving instillation of drops into the ear canal is of
very limited efficacy (Fisher et al., 2007). A single topical application of
approximately 15 mg/kg selamectin per ferret has been reported to be
highly effective in the treatment of this irritant infestation. Another study
showed that the combination of imidacloprid 10% + moxidectin 1%
(Advocate® spot-on for small cats and ferrets) applied to ferrets naturally
infested with O. cynotis achieved 100% cure after two or three treatments
at 2-week intervals (Le Sueur et al., 2011). These medications can be
partially given into the ear canal with the rest applied directly to the skin of
the interscapular region.
Other ferrets diagnosed with an O. cynotis infestation were treated with
45 mg selamectin in the form of a complete 0.75-ml single-dose tube
(Stronghold Cat; Pfizer), administered topically between the shoulder
blades and without cleaning the external ear canal. These infestations were
successfully resolved after one treatment, based on resolution of clinical
signs, otoscopic examinations and repeat ear swabs conducted 30 days later
(Miller et al., 2006).
High doses of injectable ivermectin (0.2 ml of 1% ivermectin) administered
to jills at 2–4 weeks of gestation resulted in high rates of congenital defects
(Orcutt, 1997)