Ear Mites: Tackling a Persistent Problem

Neves, A.; Mesquita, J.; Vala, Helena; Nóbrega, C.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.19/1404

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A several number of mites have been associated with ear problems, namely otitis externa (Scott et al., 2001). Fifty percent or more of all otitis, in cats, and 10%, in dogs, are thought to be caused by ear mites (Sotiraki et al., 2001; Mueller, 2008). Very common in pets, ear mites can be a serious problem. The most common mite is, undoubtedly, Otodectes cynotis, but there are some other mites that can also be found in the ear canal, includding Demodex canis, Demodex cati, Sarcoptes scabiei, Notoedres cati, among others (Cordero del Campillo et al., 1999; Blot et al., 2003; Engler, 2007). Frequently, ear mites can be the initiating factor of the otitis externa. The mechanical irritation, caused by their presence inside the ears, may lead to a higher activity of ceruminal glands and, consequently, the establishment of a favorable environment for secondary infections, caused by bacteria or fungi (August (1988) cited by Souza et al. (2008). These secondary infections and the animal’s individual response may perpetuate and induce the progression of the initial disease (Scott et al., 2001). It was established that the number of mites necessary to promote disease can be very low (only about two to three) triggering an Arthus-type and/or an immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction (Scott et al., 2001; Sotiraki et al., 2001; Angus, 2004). It has been reported that young animals tend to be more susceptible to ear mites than adult ones (Blot et al., 2003; Mueller, 2007; Mueller, 2008; Lefkaditis et al., 2009).