Disorder - Otitis media, susceptibility to

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Otitis externa, susceptibility to

Presenting Signs

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear (the part of the ear involving the eardrum and the chamber below). It can occur from infection spreading from the throat through the eustachian tube, a thin tube connecting to the middle ear. Another cause is an abnormal growth, called a polyp, originating from or growing into the middle ear. Polyps may cause noisy or difficult breathing, sneezing, eating disability, and a change in voice. Inflammation from either infection or polyps may cause pain and impact on the inner ear. This can cause head tilt, loss of balance, abnormal eye movements, falling, rolling and circling, and paralysis of the eyelids and face.

Cats at Risk

The cause of polyps in cats is unknown, but they occur in cats younger than three years of age. Abyssinian cats may be overrepresented, but studies have found no obvious breed or sex predilection. It has been proposed that chronic viral infections (Feline calicivirus and Feline herpesvirus-1) may induce the masses, but this has not been proved.

Treatment

Surgical removal of polyps and ventral bulla osteotomy. Surgical rupture of the eardrum to loosen and flush exudates and relieve pressure and pain.

PubMed References
Otitis media, susceptibility to

Contributor
Jonathan Young