My cat, which I recently obtained from a rescue centre, has been diagnosed with 'ear mites', what are they and are they serious?

Ear mites are most common in kittens/puppies and juvenile animals, although any age can be affected. The signs they show in the affected animal are general irritation, rubbing at their ears, and shaking their heads. There is often a dark waxy discharge and occasionally the surrounding skin of the ear will have crusts or scabs present, usually as a result of excessive scratching by the affected animal.

In some severely affected individuals the ear may become so damaged through scratching, open wounds can be seen. These will then need veterinary treatment in their own right. Ear mite infestations are usually diagnosed from the history of the signs shown and by the vet identifying the mite whilst examining the ear or earwax with a special lamp called an auroscope.

Treatment is usually straightforward and involves applying eardrops to the ears of any cats or dogs that have been in contact with the affected animal. The drops are usually applied for 3 weeks to ensure both the adult and developing mites are removed. There is often a dramatic improvement as the animal appears less irritated and more comfortable. In addition to the eardrops it is often worth hot washing the bedding and toys of the animal, as the mite can sur- vive off of the animal for short periods.

Ear mites are most common in kittens/ puppies and juvenile animals

After a feed the flea will breed and lay up to 500 eggs on the animal's coat. These then drop off into their environment, usually your house. The eggs hatch into larvae over the next few days, and they then form a cocoon. When the conditions are favourable the new adult flea will emerge from the cocoon to continue the cycle. At it's fastest the full life cycle can occur in approximately 3 weeks.

Traditionally fleas are a summer problem but with central heating, and climate change in the UK this is no longer the case and they will be active throughout the whole year. The things to look for are the fleas themselves and flea dirts, which are small black/grey speck in the pet's fur.

Also the animal will be scratching/bit- ing or excessively grooming itself, and in some cases the pet is allergic to the bites and can get infected sore areas, which require further treatment. If an animal has skin problems already i.e. it has a dietary sensitivity, contact allergy etc fleas will make an already irritated skin much worse.

As with most situations prevention is better than cure, therefore nowadays there are a wide range of flea products available applied in a variety of ways to treat both the affected ani- mal and it's environment.

The idea of fleas on our pets and, even worse in our homes, sends a shiver down most peoples spine

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