My cat has an ongoing ear infection

Question
Hi Jana:

Since early June, my cat has been shaking his head frequently.  Cytology results indicated yeast and bacteria presence.  He was initially prescribed Tresaderm which did not clear it up.  Then he was prescribed Ottomax, which I discovered, after 2 days of administering it,that it is for otic use in canines only.  I called vet's office, they informed me it was o.k. to continue using, however, I am concerned that this is also ineffective.  Infection does not seem to be clearing up after nearly 2 weeks of using it.  Any advice?

Answer
Lisa,
Sometimes an over growth of yeast does not constitute an infection. It will, however, drive the cat batty.
Ears are notoriously difficult to keep cleaned out once they get this overgrowth. Tresaderm and Otomax take care of the normal bacterial flora but for these yeasty over growths the best thing to do is cleaning out the ears with an alcohol based cleaner made for ears.

Cats get a particular yeasty growth in their ears called Malassezia  pachydermatis that is normal,but can get out of control. Alcohol, chlorihexidine and other solutions can be used to clean out his ears.

Baytril is the only really effective antibiotic for the ears.
You might want to keep up with the Otomax for now but clean out his ears really good in between treatments.

I hope this helps. Let me know how he is doing in a few weeks. If I find new info I will do a follow up with you.