How much does cat ear infection cost?

Depending on each individual case, the cost to treat a dog or cat ear infection will vary greatly, but can initially cost anywhere from $50 to $300. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

How much does it cost to go to the vet for an ear infection?

The cost of ear infection treatment varies depending on your location and veterinary practice — but otitis externa treatments, which usually include the exam, ear cleaning and medicine, typically cost between $100 and $175.

How can I treat my cats ear infection?

Treatment for feline ear infections is generally straight forward. To begin your veterinarian may clip the fur around your kitty's ear canal to help keep it clean and dry. If the infection has reached the middle ear but the eardrum is untouched, oral or injectable antibiotics may be given to clear up the infection.

Do I need to take my cat to the vet for an ear infection?

If your cat is showing any signs of an infection, schedule an appointment with their veterinarian right away. Ear infections are not common in cats, and when left untreated, they can lead to serious complications and long-term pain and discomfort for your pet.

Will ear infection go away on its own cat?

Outdoor cats and kittens are more prone to ear infections but even older, indoor felines may develop this pesky condition. Ear infections are painful and won't go away on their own, so it's important to be familiar with the signs that indicate there's a problem.

How to treat for Ear Infection of Kittens and Cats

How do indoor cats get ear infections?

Cat ear infections are usually the result of overgrown bacteria, yeast, or both. They can also be caused by: Food or environmental allergies. Wax build-up.

How long does an ear infection in cats last?

That said, most cats with otitis interna respond well to medical management. Expect a two- to four-month course of oral antibiotics to prevent a relapse. The altered sense of balance that generally accompanies otitis interna typically improves within two to six weeks.

How serious is a cat ear infection?

A simple outer ear infection can quickly spread to the middle ear and onto your kitty's inner ear, which is why it is essential to seek treatment for your cat's ear infection as soon as symptoms arise. If left untreated ear infections in cats can result in hearing loss.

What does cat ear infection look like?

Ear infections cause pain and discomfort, and the ear canals are sensitive. Many cats will shake their head and scratch their ears attempting to remove the debris and fluid from the ear canal. The ears often become red and inflamed and may develop an offensive odor. A black or yellow discharge is commonly observed.

What is the black gunk in my cat's ears?

Some cats are more bothered by ear mites than others. Mites also stimulate the wax producing glands inside the ear canal. The result is a black, crusty build-up in the ears that resembles coffee grounds. This discharge is made of blood, wax, debris, and mites themselves.

What happens if you let an ear infection go untreated?

An untreated infection can spread to other nearby tissue in and around the ear, and in rare cases even into the skull, resulting in meningitis. Infections will more commonly spread to the mastoid, just behind the ear, which can damage the bone and form pus-filled cysts.

Do ear infections go away without antibiotics?

Generally, an ear infection will improve within the first couple days and clear up within one to two weeks without any treatment. It is recommended to use the wait-and-see approach for: Children age 6 to 23 months with mild inner-ear pain in one ear for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F.

How much does it cost to get your cats ears cleaned?

This usually costs between $25 and $40, depending on where you live, and will tell you for sure if the debris in your pet's ears is caused by ear mites and not something else, like yeast or bacteria.

Why do vets charge so much?

Each veterinarian sets the fee for service based on the nature and technique of the treatment, the expertise available as well as the cost of supplying the service. This will include salaries, overheads and specialist equipment. These costs can vary from clinic to clinic.

Are ear infections covered by pet insurance?

Here's what is commonly covered by the best pet insurance plans: Accidents and injuries, such as poisonings, sprains and ACL ruptures. Chronic illnesses such as allergies, arthritis and skin conditions. Common illnesses such as ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea.

Do ear infections make cats sick?

Ear infections cause pain and discomfort, and the ear canals are sensitive. Many cats will shake their head and scratch their ears attempting to remove the debris and fluid from the ear canal. The ears often become red and inflamed and may develop an offensive odor.

Why won't my cats ear infection go away?

Chronic otitis is basically a long-lasting ear infection that can affect any cat, causing itchy, painful ears. Quite a few things can cause the disease — parasites, allergies, growths, and more — which is progressive and can lead to rupture of the eardrum or even permanent narrowing of the ear canal.

What is the brown stuff in my cat's ears?

As with humans, it's completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat's ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection. A cat's brown earwax often resembles dirt or dried blood inside the ears.

What do vets prescribe for ear infections?

Antibiotics (such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime) will be used for a bacterial infection for 6-8 weeks minimum. If the infection is fungal in nature, an anti-fungal medication (most often itraconazole) will be prescribed.

How do you tell if your cat has ear mites or just dirty ears?

Can you clean cat's ears with Q Tip?

Never use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean your cat's ears — these substances just aren't safe for your kitty. Also, never use cotton-tipped swabs, like Q-tips, in a cat's ear at home. It's just too easy to push debris and wax further down into the ear canal.

How can you tell if an ear infection is bacterial or viral?

Can olive oil make ear infection worse?

Olive oil is generally safe to use in small quantities in the ear. However, people with a ruptured eardrum should never put olive oil or other substances in the ear. Irrigating the ear with olive oil can cause side effects such as itching, outer ear infections, dizziness, and skin irritation.

Will peroxide heal a ear infection?

If you are prone to recurrent outer ear infections ('otitis externa'), using hydrogen peroxide alone when you feel the first symptoms of an infection can sometimes avoid the need for antibiotic drops. Use it three times a day for a week, and see your doctor if symptoms of infection get worse.

When an ear infection becomes serious?

Usually, ear infections last fewer than 3 days, but they can persist for up to a week. Children younger than 6 months who have a fever or other ear infection symptoms should see a doctor. Seek medical attention if your child has a fever higher than 102°F (39°C) or severe ear pain.