*For my non-QLD readers. Ferrets and rabbits are banned in QLD!
Help! My ferret has ear mites, Paddington Vet!
The ear mite,
Otodectes cyanotis, is a common parasite of ferrets. It is highly contagious and can spread to dogs, cats and humans in the same household.
What are the symptoms of ear mites infestation, Paddington Vet?
Head shaking, scratching of ears, fur loss, scabbing of the ear, smelly ears and thick brown earwax are common signs of this infestation. Sometimes, the ferret may become depressed and ill-tempered because of the soreness in the ears. In heavily infested ferrets, running in circles in the direction of the most heavily infected ear or bizarre "spasmodic fits" behaviour is common.
Ear mites can survive outside their host in the environment for up to 4 weeks, so it is crucial to treat the environment your pet lives in, by vacuuming thoroughly and regularly and disposing the content appropriately to prevent re-infestation.
What are the treatment available, Paddington Vet?
Similar to rabbit ear mites infestation, I do not recommend using oil as a treatment to drown the mites out due to their ability to live in the environment. There are many over-the-counter ear mite drops you can purchase from the shops but certain ingredients in these drops can potentially cause more harm, especially to the ear drums. Make a visit to your local vet to confirm that your pet ferret has mites. It is likely that your pet ferret has secondary ear infection that needs antibiotic treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication can also provide much needed pain relief from the soreness in the ears. Your vet will most likely use Selamectin ("Revolution for puppies/kittens) as an anti-parasitic treatment every 2 weeks for 3 treatments to prevent re-infestation. Treat all ferrets, dogs and cats in the same household.
If you are looking for a trusted Paddington Vet, call (07) 3216 0045 to make an appointment to see Dr Nic at Fortitude Valley Vet.
