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Section: Information In-depth
Ear mites, Otodectes cynotis, are common parasites that live in the ear canal of dogs. These microscopic white insects can occur at any age but are more common in younger dogs. The most common signs of ear mites are itching at the ear area and discharge of black exudate. Mites can also spread to the skin and when this happens dogs will "itch" all over their backs, necks and tail areas.Ear mites spend their entire life on the host. The female lays her eggs in the ear and in the surrounding fur. The eggs hatch after a four-day incubation period, and the larva feeds on ear wax and skin oils for about one week. It then molts into a "protonymph," which in turn molts into a "deutonymph." This deutonymph does not develop a gender until it mates with an adult male. If the result is a female, she will be laden with eggs.
An ear swab examination reveals the presence of bacteria, fungi and parasites, and dtermining the underlying cause of ear discharge, pain or itchiness can help determine appropriate treatment.
Ear disease is one of the most frequent reasons owners seek veterinary help. There are many causes of ear problems, ranging from foreign objects, infections, trauma or even tumors.
Aural hematoma is an accumulation of blood within the cartilage layers of the ear. This problem is most often associated with underlying ear disease, like excessive head shaking, that can rupture blood...
Otitis externa, or external ear canal disease, is a common condition in dogs and is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue components of the external ear canal and is particularly prevalent in...
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