Wrinkled Ear in cats
The symptom “Ohrmuschel faltig” in cats describes a change in the structure and surface of the ear, where the skin of the ear appears uneven, wrinkled, or corrugated. This change can occur in one or both ears and is often a sign of an underlying disease or health problem.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
A cat’s ear consists of cartilage covered by a thin layer of skin. This structure gives the ear its shape and flexibility. A healthy ear is smooth and without noticeable bumps. If the ear appears wrinkled, this may indicate various health problems.
One of the most common causes of a wrinkled ear is an inflammatory condition or infection. This can be caused by parasites such as ear mites, which colonize the cat’s ears and can lead to itching, inflammatory conditions, and skin changes. Ear mites are highly contagious and can easily be transmitted from one cat to another.
Allergies are another possible cause of changes in the ear. Cats can be allergic to various substances, whether it’s specific foods, pollen, or chemicals in their environment. An allergic reaction can lead to itching and scratching, which can eventually change the structure of the ear.
Skin diseases, such as dermatitis or fungal infections, can also lead to a wrinkled ear. These diseases affect skin health and can cause redness, swelling, and an uneven skin surface.
In rare cases, systemic diseases such as hormonal disorders or autoimmune diseases can also affect the ears. These diseases often affect the entire body and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including changes in the skin and ears.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Itching: Cats often scratch or rub their ears, which indicates itching caused by ear mites or allergies.
- Redness and swelling: The skin of the ear may appear red and swollen, indicating an inflammatory condition or infection.
- Discharge from the ear: An unusual discharge from the ear, possibly with an unpleasant odor, may indicate an infection.
- Frequent head shaking: Cats frequently shake their heads to relieve the uncomfortable feeling in their ears.
- Skin lesions: Crusts or open wounds on the ear that can result from persistent scratching.
- Behavioral changes: Cats may appear irritated or restless if they are suffering from ear problems.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the vet is essential if the cat shows signs of discomfort or if the ears have changed. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the problem from worsening or causing permanent damage.
A vet visit is especially important if the cat shows pain, the ears are severely swollen, or there is a foul-smelling discharge. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection or other serious health problem.
If the cat continues to have ear problems despite treatment, or if the symptoms worsen, a vet should also be consulted. Further diagnostics may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
Pet owners can recognize the symptom “Ohrmuschel faltig” by regularly inspecting their cat’s ears. Pay attention to changes in the structure and surface of the ear, as well as accompanying symptoms such as redness, crusts, or discharge.
During a vet visit, the veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the cat. This includes an inspection of the ears with an otoscope to view the inside of the ear and identify possible signs of parasites or infections.
In addition, the veterinarian may take skin samples or swabs to test them for parasites, bacteria, or fungi. Blood tests may be necessary to rule out or confirm systemic causes.
In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to diagnose autoimmune or other rare diseases. These samples are then analyzed in the laboratory to make an accurate diagnosis.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a first measure, pet owners should avoid touching or manipulating the affected ear to avoid further damage. If the cat is scratching a lot, its claws should be shortened to reduce injuries.
Keep the ears clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection. However, do not use cotton swabs as they can further damage the ears. Special ear cleaners for cats can help remove excess dirt and earwax.
Temporary relief from itching can be achieved with cold compresses that are gently placed on the ear. However, this should only be done after consulting with a veterinarian.
Long-term measures for relief depend on the diagnosis. Targeted treatment of the underlying cause, whether through medication for parasites, antibiotics for infections, or special diets for allergies, is crucial for the cat’s recovery.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.