Archive Case #112: Feline Otodectic Mange

Clinical Clues

1. A young cat is presented for persistent irritation around both ears.
2. The owner notices head shaking and frequent scratching.
3. Dark crumbly material is present in both ear canals.
4. Otoscopic examination reveals small moving white specks in the debris.
5. The pattern is a contagious parasitic otitis in a young cat.
6. Otodectes ear mites commonly cause bilateral pruritic otitis with dark debris in cats.

Diagnosis

Feline Otodectic Mange

This case is most consistent with Feline Otodectic Mange because the cat has pruritic ears with classic dark debris and visible mites. The most important clues are the bilateral ear involvement and young age, which make allergic otitis less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.