Ear mites are commonly seen in cats, and much less commonly in dogs. The mites cause tremendous irritation and itching in the ear canal. This itching leads to head shaking and self trauma from scratching with the back claws. Ear mites are treated with administration of topical medications to kill the parasite.  Products are available that require only a one time treatment of medication to cure the infection. If you look in the cat's ear canal that is infected with ear mites, there is a generally a classic black "coffee ground" appearing substance filling up the canal. The parasites themselves can only be identified by examining a fresh swab of ear debris under the microscope.They look like a nasty woodtick under the microscope with mouthparts for chewing!

Dexter developed even more complications than a simple ear infection with the parasites. The intense itching caused him to shake his head so intensely that he developed a blood clot beneath the skin of the external ear (pinnae) because of rupture of blood vessels. When this happens, the ear suddenly swells almost like a large blister. The swollen earflap becomes very uncomfortable and increases the urge to head shake. 

Treatment for aural hematoma involves a surgical procedure to lance open the skin on the underside of the ear and drain the uncomforable clot. Sutures are then placed through the ear to promote healing. Within 14 days, the wounds are usually healed and ear sutures can be removed. 

Dexter is doing well following his ear surgery and is especially happy to be rid of those unwanted earmites!!!