Otodectosis of domestic and street cats: diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Abstract

Relevance of the topic of the qualification work. The research aimed to investigate otodectes mites, which are external parasites that infest cats, both domestic and street, with different species, age, sex, and breed. The research methodology involved taking into account the anamnesis and clinical signs of domestic cats and checking the registered animals in the system to determine the last time the animal received vaccinations against external parasites or was sick with the disease before. For street cats, the diagnosis was more challenging as they were brought to the clinic by people who found them outside, without useful information for the doctor to aid the diagnosis process. The purpose of the qualification work is to study the Otodectosis of street and domestic cats, find out the efficacy of preparations Bravecto and Revolution for Otodectosis of cats. Task: The research employed the use of equipment and materials such as otoscopes, microscopes, Virbac otic cleanser, complex ear drops, ear swabs, hydrogen peroxide dressing material, and anesthetics. The research established that complex ear drops are very safe and effective against otodectes if used appropriately. Prevention was also found to be important in the management of parasitic diseases, and medication such as Bravecto and Revolution should be used for prevention from otodectes mites as prescribed by the veterinarian. Object of study. Street and domestic cats. Subject of study. Otodectosis of street and domestic cats. Theoretical and practical significance of the obtained results. The research concluded that using an otic cleanser is essential for cleaning excess ear wax, odor, and debris, as it is gentle and non-irritating. Bravecto and Revolution are effective in preventing external parasites; however, the administration must be monitored by a veterinarian. The research explores the prevalence of ear mites in cats, comparing street cats and domestic cats. The results indicate that street cats are more likely to have a higher number of mites due to a lack of prophylactics and follow-up care. In contrast, domestic cats are more likely to have a lower number of mites, partly due to prophylactics and owners noticing debris and cleaning it. However, the sample size is small, and further studies are necessary to generalize these findings. The study recommends regular check-ups, accurate diagnosis, suitable treatment protocols, follow-up check-ups, and breed-specific considerations to prevent and treat ear mites. Additionally, the research highlights the need to identify and treat other health problems during check-ups and provide suitable care for street cats. Finally, the study proposes the importance of restricting domestic cats’ outdoor access to prevent them from coming into contact with street cats and contracting ear mites and other diseases. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the prevalence and treatment of ear mites in cats, suggesting ways to improve the situation and promote the health of cats.