Ear Mites (adults and eggs)

Description:

This tiny arachnid can be found within the ear canal of infected dogs, cats and ferrets. In my experience, it is most often found in cats. Ear mite infections generally cause severe puritis (itchiness) of the ears. Dark brown/black debris that often resembles coffee grounds builds up in the ear canal where the mites are living. Diagnosis is usually easy with an ear swab, mineral oil and a microscope. The mites and their large oval eggs are easy to spot once they are on a slide.

Habitat:

These particular mites came from the ear canal of an infected domestic cat.