Middle Ear Problems in Elderly Cats

Although aging can present a plethora of problems in cats, middle ear issues are common for all ages. However, older cats have weaker immune systems, so they may have a harder time coping with middle ear infections. Understanding middle ear infections in cats can help you diagnose and deal with the issue quickly, ensuring that your cat lives a long and healthy life.

  1. Mites

    • Middle ear problems in elderly cats have the same root causes as with young cats. Although middle ear issues are not common, mites are usually to blame. Mites are small insects that your cat can contract from other animals. However, if the problems are not caused by mites, then trouble in the middle ear is simply a by-product of a larger issue.

    Other Causes

    • If your veterinarian rules out mites, there are many other causes. These can range from small, benign issues to serious diseases. Your elderly cat may have excess wax buildup in her ear, outside particles, irritants from the environment or excessive ear hair. More significant problems include bacterial infections, diabetes, tumors and feline leukemia. Middle ear problems also can happen if an infection spreads from the outer ear to the middle ear. Oral bacteria also can reach the inner ear and trigger issues.

    Symptoms

    • Monitor your elderly cat to see if he is scratching or pawing at his ear. He also may tilt his head in the direction of the infected ear. This indicates discomfort. Some other signs to look for include black or yellow discharge, redness or inflammation of the ear, brown discharge, odor, loss of hearing and poor balance.

    Cures

    • Treating middle ear infections can vary in complexity. Oral or injected antibiotics effectively deal with bacterial causes. In some cases, your cat may exhibit chronic ear infections. This may call for a surgical procedure to either clean and remove excessive tissue from the ear canal or, in severe cases, remove the entire ear canal itself. Tumors must also be removed. If allergies are the problem, then removing the source of the allergies or reducing their effects should indirectly cure the infection.