 | Over-the-Counter Ear Mite Treatment: $9-$13 |
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 | Antibiotic Treatment: $10-$30+ |
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 | Antifungal Medication: $2-$40+ |
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| Ear infection in pets can be caused by several different maladies, and there are several distinct treatments necessary. Ear infection is a common problem in dogs and cats. Symptoms of ear infection include odor, excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears, discharge, redness or swelling and head shaking. | | |
| Typical costs: | - There are three basic types of ear infections: Ear mites, bacterial infection and yeast infection. Each has its own treatment method.
- Treatment for parasitic ear mites is available over the counter for between $9 and $13. For example, Bio-Groom is available for about $11at Amazon.
- Treatment for a bacterial infection is an antibiotic, which can cost $10 -$30+ depending on the type of antibiotic, amount included and location. For example, Tresaderm is available by prescription at 1800petmeds.com for about $25.
- Treatment for a yeast infection is an antifungal medication, which can cost $2 -$40+ depending on type and amount. For example, Otomax, a popular antifungal, is available by prescription at NationalPetPharmacy.com for between $10 and $30.
What should be included: | - Ear mites are tiny parasites that dogs and cats pass from one to another through physical contact. They're often visible as small specks that look like pepper. If using an over-the-counter medication, be sure to use it for the recommended one-month period because that will kill all ear mites, even those that were young at first application.
- To read more about ear mites and its treatments, visit VeterinaryPartner.com
- PetEducation.com explains the intricacies of ear mites in dogs and cats, summarizing all types of ear infections.
- Bacterial and yeast infections can be caused by moisture, hormonal changes, allergies, or genetics.
Additional costs: | - If a dog or cat frequently socializes with other animals -- for example, if the cat roams around the neighborhood or the dog is taken to a dog park -- consider applying an ear mite preventive medicine. If one pet in a household has been found with mites, treat all the pets in the household.
- Veterinarians recommend cleaning a pet's ears monthly to avoid infections. Ear cleaners are available for about $4 for 21st Century Clean Ear, a simple powder, to $17 for Best Ear Relief, a higher-end solution.
- PetEducation.com provides a video on how to clean a cat's ears at home.
Shopping for pet ear infection treatment: | - Although many different types of ear infections look the same, their treatments are unique. Be sure to know which type of infection the pet has to avoid unnecessary or fruitless treatment.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association has a vet finder tool.
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Article updated October 2010 |
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