My Cat's Ear Infection Nightmare: A Reluctant Journey to Relief
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Editor's Summary
My cat Belyash came back from the village with a nasty surprise - a fungal infection in one ear and a mite infestation in the other. We quickly realized we needed to get to the bottom of things and ran some tests to figure out what was going on. Our vet recommended running some tests to determine the cause of the infection, and I highly recommend doing the same if you suspect your cat might have an ear infection. It's just 10 minutes, and you'll know exactly what to treat them for. Each disease has its own treatment plan and medication. We managed to get rid of the mites in just 2 days, thanks to an anti-parasitic medication called Selafort. The fungal infection took longer to treat, over a month, but we were determined to get it under control.", "pros": [ "Effective in treating fungal infections in cats", "Easy to apply, with a clear and concise instructions", "Works quickly, with noticeable results within a few days", "Good value for money, considering the results", "Easy to use, even for cat owners who are new to treating ear infections" ], "cons": [ "Can be expensive, especially for larger cats or multiple cats", "May require multiple applications, which can be time-consuming", "Some cats may experience side effects, such as itching or redness", "May not be suitable for cats with sensitive ears or allergies", "Can be messy to apply, especially if not done carefully" ], "faq": [ { "question": "How many doses of Aurotin does a cat need to get rid of a fungal infection?", "answer": "The number of doses needed will depend on the severity of the infection and the size of the cat. Our vet recommended 3 drops for cats, but it's always best to consult with a veterinarian for specific guidance." }, { "question": "How much do Aurotin drops cost?", "answer": "The cost of Aurotin drops can vary depending on the size of the pack and the location. We bought a 30ml pack for 1550 rubles, and later purchased additional 3ml packs for 300 rubles each." }, { "question": "What is the active ingredient in Auritop?", "answer": "The active ingredients in Auritop include Ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, lidocaine, and ketoconazole. These ingredients work together to treat fungal and bacterial infections in cats." }, { "question": "How do I apply Auritop to my cat?", "answer": "To apply Auritop, follow these steps: pick up your cat, hold them firmly in place, moisten the area with chlorhexidine or miramistin, use a cotton swab to clean the outer and inner ear, and then apply the Auritop solution. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns." }, { "question": "How long does treatment with Auritop typically last?", "answer": "Treatment with Auritop typically lasts anywhere from 7 to 9 days, but may be longer for cats with chronic ear infections or those caused by fungal pathogens." }, { "question": "Is Auritop safe for my cat?", "answer": "Auritop is generally safe for cats, but as with any medication, there may be some side effects or interactions to be aware of. Be sure to consult with a veterinarian before using Auritop, especially if your cat has any pre-existing medical conditions or is taking other medications." ], "meta_title": "My Cat's Ear Infection Nightmare: A Reluctant Journey to Relief", "meta_description": "Learn how to treat your cat's ear infection with Auritop, a effective and easy-to-use medication. Get tips and advice from a cat owner who's been there.", "og_title": "My Cat's Ear Infection Nightmare: A Reluctant Journey to Relief", "og_description": "Discover the best way to treat your cat's ear infection with Auritop, a safe and effective medication. Get expert advice and tips from a cat owner who's been through it.
Specifications
I've got a story to tell about my cat Belyash, who came back from the village with a nasty surprise - a fungal infection in one ear and a mite infestation in the other. We did some tests to figure out what was going on, and I highly recommend getting your cat checked out - it's just 10 minutes, and you'll know exactly what to treat them for. Each disease has its own treatment plan and medication.
This is what an ear infection looks like - it's a constant sign of discomfort and a symptom of fungal growth.We managed to get rid of the mites in just 2 days. I wrote about it in my review of Selafort, an anti-parasitic medication, which I really liked (including for removing fleas and worms). As for the fungal infection, the vet told us it would take a long time to treat.
It actually took longer than we expected - over a month. My cat is white, and they're prone to allergies and ear problems. They also have a weak immune system, so it might be shorter for a healthier cat.
This is what my cat looks like after a vet visit - he tries to scratch the mesh on his carrier while we're on the way.
How many doses of Aurotin does a cat need to get rid of a fungal infection?
How much do Aurotin drops cost?
We went through a lot of the medication. The treatment was expensive, even if we don't count the cost of getting rid of the mites.
We bought it in parts. First, a 30ml pack.
It cost 1550 rubles.
We later bought another 3ml of the medication at the vet clinic for 300 rubles each.If you only have one cat, it would be much cheaper - I treated all three of mine. One was a preventative measure (fungal infections are highly contagious). One had a severe case (it started in 2 weeks in the village, like it had been going on for 6 months). And the third was in the early stages - he recovered much faster. But he's not prone to ear problems in the first place.
This is the best way to apply the medication - it's easier to put it on your cat this way.
Aurotin drops: for cats or dogs?
They're for both, but I think dogs would need more of it.
Results
I'll write about that next.
For the first 2-3 days, Belyash was even more itchy. It seemed like we should have left his ears alone. Then they stopped bothering him altogether. Maybe it was the anesthetic in the medication that kicked in later. The second cat, Ryzhik, wasn't itchy at all from the start.
I'll be honest, it took me around 5-6 days to see the wax buildup on my cats' ears start to come off. I was applying it once a day, and every evening their ears looked like they hadn't been touched by a magic cotton swab with the treatment. The whole ear canal was covered in a black crust - and it was the same for both of them.
This was a tough moment. I thought the treatment wasn't working, that we needed to switch to a different product, and that we'd be stuck in this rut forever. You've got to push through this stage and wait it out.
It took around 8-9 days for the outer ear to clear up, and it stayed clean by the next evening. But the inner ear was still a mess. It took three weeks for the amount of 'gunk' to decrease.
It took another week to transition to cleaning their ears every other day, and eventually, we were done.
The product worked. The follow-up tests showed there was no fungus.
Auritop: drops or gel?
The packaging says drops, but apparently, that's just a translation error. It's actually a pink, gooey gel. And that's a good thing, because when you're applying it to the outer ear, it doesn't drip into the eardrum.
But it's easy to get it all over the place, so you need someone to hold the cat while you're applying it.
There's another thing to consider.
Active ingredient
Ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, lidocaine, ketoconazole
Works against the following fungi and bacteria
BACTERIA:
• Staphylococcus intermedius
• Proteus vulgaris
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Proteus spp
• Staphylococcus spp
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Streptococcus spp
• Escherichia coli
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Corynebacterium spp
• Proteus mirabilis
PATHOGENIC FUNGI:
• Malassezia pachydermatis (Pityrosporum canis)
• Epidermophyton floccosum
• Microsporum canis
• Trichophyton rubrum
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes
• Candida spp
How to apply Auritop to your cat
The application method our vet recommended was different from what was on the packaging.
According to the packaging and instructions:
Apply Auritop by dropping it into the affected ear, cleaning it first. After applying the treatment, gently massage the ear to ensure even distribution. For dogs weighing up to 15 kg: 4 drops. For dogs over 15 kg: 8 drops. For cats: 3 drops.
After applying Auritop, you'll want to massage the ear gently to ensure the medication spreads evenly across the affected area.
Typically, treatment lasts anywhere from 7 to 9 days. However, if your cat's chronic ear infections are caused by fungal pathogens, you'll need to continue treatment for up to 14 days.
That's exactly how our vet instructed us to apply Auritop to our cat.
First, pick up your cat.Hold them firmly in place – one person holds, the other applies the treatment.Moisten the area with chlorhexidine or miramistin (just a little, as cats can be sensitive to water and may develop an ear infection).Use a cotton swab to clean the outer and inner ear. We found that we needed fewer swabs as treatment progressed – from 30 at the beginning to 5-6 towards the end.Next, grab the Auritop container. It's a good idea to decant some into a separate, transparent bottle for easier application. The nozzle on the original tube can be a bit tricky to work with – you'll end up getting it all over your hands. Decanting makes it much more manageable.Submerge the cotton swab into the Auritop solution. Since the container is transparent, you can see exactly how much you're applying.Work your way around the outer ear, applying just enough to leave a thin layer – you don't want your cat to end up looking like a greasy mess.Then, clean the inner ear. Be sure to change the cotton swab every time you insert it, as this will help prevent any discomfort for your cat. To make the process easier, gently pull the ear slightly to the side while cleaning the side passage.Continue until the discharge stops.Reward your cat with a treat – immediately!Wash your hands thoroughly – fungal infections are highly contagious.Perform the treatment on a disposable cloth to prevent cross-contamination.That's it!
Auritop may be pricey, and the amount used can be significant, but it's worth it. I'd rather spend this amount than risk my cat's health and well-being by trying cheaper alternatives that might not work. With Auritop, my cat started feeling better within three days, and they no longer seemed to mind the treatment process – it was a huge relief, especially considering how miserable they were at first.
