Otodectes cynotis: Ear mite

General Description: The ear mite is about 0.4mm long, with a body flattened top to bottom and 4 pairs of long legs. The male has a sucker on the end of each leg, while the female has suckers only on the first two pairs of legs.

Life Cycle: The ear mite has a typical mite life cycle as described in the Overview, completed in about 3 weeks.

Location: Usually in the external ear.

Geographical Distribution: Widely distributed and common in dogs, cats, foxes and other carnivores.

Significance: The ear mite is very annoying to dogs. If untreated, heavy Otodectes infestations may invade the inner ear and even the brain.

Effect on Host: Ear mites cause severe irritations and thick, red crusts in the external ears of hosts. Eventually, the infested ears droop and show a discharge. If the infestation is untreated, infection may spread from the outer to the inner ear, with possible serious bacterial involvement. Rarely, neglected or untreated infections may spread to the brain, causing fits and other nervous disorders. Infested dogs shake their heads and scratch at their ears.

Diagnostic Information: Mites may be identified in material swabbed from the ears and examined microscopically.

Control: Ears of infested dogs should be cleaned and miticides applied; topical and systemic preparations are available. Antibiotics should be given in severe cases to combat bacterial infections.

Adult ear mite