Feline Ear Diseases

Classification of feline ear diseases is based upon he area in which they occur.  Maladies affecting the external ear canal are known as otitis externa.  Otitis media (middle ear disease) covers inflammations of the middle ear, and otitis interna (inner ear disease) involves infections found in the inner ear.  An ear disease can occur in one or more of these areas simultaneously.  Ear infections most commonly affect the external portion of a cat’s ear.

Ear mites and bite wounds from another cat are the most widespread causes of feline ear disease.  An abscess can result from a bite wound and drain into the ear canal.
 
Diseases of the middle ear although not as common, often transpire due to a problem in the nose or throat.  Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in the body can be carried through the bloodstream to the middle ear.

Inner ear diseases are extremely serious and usually occur due to neglect of an external or middle ear infection.