Diagnosis of Feline Ear Diseases

A cat’s ears should be a healthy pink color and odor free.  There should be a minimal amount of ear wax present.  When a cat’s ears do not give this appearance, it is time to have the ears examined.  The most accurate diagnosis of a feline ear disease is attained through an examination by a veterinarian.  Diagnosis will begin with a visual examination of the ears.  The veterinarian will begin by looking for signs of redness, swelling, and infection.  This can be done with the use of a diagnostic tool called an otoscope.  If the ears are too painful to examine, the cat may need to be sedated.

The otoscope can also provide verification of dirt and debris, foreign objects, or pus in the ear.  The condition of the ear drum can be examined during the diagnostic procedure.  With the use of the otoscope, the veterinarian can make a determination as to whether the cat is suffering from an outer ear or a middle ear infection. 

Swabs of any discharge present in the ears will be taken and tested under a microscope.  The ear cytology can provide identification of bacteria, yeast, or ear mites that may be infecting the ears.