Abstract:Otodectes cynotis is a major primary cause of otitis externa and act as a predisposing cause to the secondary bacterial and fungal infection. The present work was conducted in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur (M.P.), India. A total of 167 cats underwent physical examination including ear examination with otoscope among them, 55 cats demonstrated clinical signs pertaining to otoacariasis were subjected to microscopic examination for confirmation of presence of Otodectes cynotis and out of them 26 cats were found to be suffering from Otodectes cynotis. Overall occurrence of Otodectes cynotis was recorded to be 15.56% and occurrence amongst the suspected cats was 47.27%. Significantly higher occurrence was recorded in Persian breed of cat (65.62%). Age-wise occurrence was higher in age group >36 month (58.82%) than age group 12-36 month (43.75%) and <12 month of age (40.90%). There was higher occurrence in female (56%) than male (40%). The percent of cats with bilateral ear infection (80.76%) was more as compared to unilateral ear infection and degree of infestation was severe (57.69%) in most affected cats. The most prevalent clinical signs observed in otoacariasis was pruritus (92.30%) followed by ear exudates (84.61%), alopecia (50.00%), presence of otopedal reflex (38.46%), erythema (34.61%), malodour (30.76%), head shaking/tilting (23.07%) and scaling/crusting (26.92%).
