Ear mite question

[paulette2]

My question is for my tenant who recently rescued 2 stray kittens. They are about 4 months old, and were living outside in deplorable conditions. One kitten had extremely bad ear mites and now it seems as though the kitten is having problems with her equilibrium. My tenant took the kittens to the vet who gave the kitten a shot and said the kitten should improve in 2 weeks. However when I saw the kitty last nite she was holding her head in an awkward position. Kind of twisting it around. I'm hoping that this kitten doesn't have permanent damage. I've never encountered this type of problem. Has anyone else had this experience and do you have any advice..

[jason]

My tenant took the kittens to the vet who gave the kitten a shot and said the kitten should improve in 2 weeks. However when I saw the kitty last nite she was holding her head in an awkward position. Kind of twisting it around. I'm hoping that this kitten doesn't have permanent damage.

vet said in 2 weeks becuase? are you using drops in the ear or oral meds prescribed by the vet that lasts 2-3 weeks?

the awkward positioning is probably due to the irration of the mites burrowing into the cats ear canal. please keep in contact with your vet about changes or the lack thereof.

[Traci]

I'm assuming the vet actually cleaned the ears before giving the injection? What was the injection?

Sounds like kitten could really benefit from a good ear cleaning, but must be done by a vet or good tech....if the owner doesn't know how to gently and properly clean the ears, one could easily rupture the ear drum (which could cause equilibrium problems, infection, loss of hearing)

Ideally, when cleaning ears, one should use an otic solution from the vet, dab any excess with cotton ball, and then apply tresaderm or other earmite treatment recommended by the vet. Ear rinses may be used several times a week, tresaderm usually only once a week or, as prescribed by the vet.

Without a good, solid treatment approach, the earmites will never resolve....treatment must be persistent and consistent. Please advise your friend to get kitten seen by another vet and thoroughly examine the inner ear for any signs of damage, or infection.

[Auntie Debbie]

Sounds like the little guy may have Vestibular Disease. This is a common occurance with bad infections or bad mite infestation. The head being held oddly is likely him trying to gain some footing as his world is spinning around him. Other symptoms would be nystagmus (eye twitching), wobbly gait, hugging the walls while walking and a persistent head tilt. The head tilt will likely remain, even if not as severe. The cat will compensate for this. My cat had this condition a few years ago and she still has a slight head tilt. You would hardly notice it as she just looks determined while walking. She can jump, play run and do everything she's done before. She had a very bad ear infection and from point of Vestibular Disease it took her about 8 weeks before she was completely over it.
I have some links on Ear Conditions and Vestibular Disease under the Neurological links under my website (Debbie's Feline Health) listed under Favorites on the menu on the left side of this board. Scroll down toards the bottom of the page.
I'll take a wild stab at what the kitty was injected with-steroid, probably prednisone for inflammation to get a handle on the loss of equilibrium.
Ear mite medicine should also be given to the other kitty as it is very contagious.
I too would suggest a different vet with a more aggressive treatment plan. Permanent loss of hearing can occur if not treated properly, or at all.
I hope the little guy will be okay and please let us know how he is doing, ok?

[paulette2]

Thank you all for your excellent input. I will pass this info along. Unfortunately, my tenant isn't terribly friendly. She's very nice, but she keeps her distance. She might think I'm butting into her business but it's not that -- I just love animals.

[Auntie Debbie]

Good luck...hope you can get through to her. Let us know how the kitties are doing, ok? And thanks for caring!