Phase 4: The AdultsBarely visible to the naked eye, the adult ear mite appears white in color and feeds off the epithelial debris in a cat's ear. The record number of ear mites found in a cat's ear was 3,500.
DiagnosisClinical signs of ear mites in cats:
Head shaking·
Scratching the ears (there may be sores around the ears as a result of scratching)·
Reddish-brown to black discharge (crusts and cerumen) in the ears that resemble coffee grounds·
No clinical signs*
A diagnosis of ear mites by the veterinarian is usually made by one of the following methods: · Direct visualization of the mites with an otoscope· Microscopic examination of the ear discharge
* Although some cats show no outward signs of ear mite infestations, the mites can be diagnosed as described above. Veterinarians often check for ear mites as part of the routine physical exam, especially in multi-cat households.
Acarexx® (0.01% IVERMECTIN) Otic SuspensionA one-step ear mite treatment. Good news. Unless, of course, you are an ear mite.Otic Suspension and Its Benefits · Only one application required· FDA-approved*· Precleaning of ears not required· Revolutionary nongreasy, water-based formula· Safe mite treatment approved for kittens as young as four-weeks-old· Available only from veterinarians.
Testimonials
"Acarexx gives me the ideal combination of efficacy and ease of use. For these reasons, Acarexx will be my first choice for ear mite treatment."Dr. Lynn RobertsRural Hall Animal HospitalRural Hall, North Carolina"Being able to treat kittens at four-weeks-old with Acarexx is a real advantage. I would definitely recommend Acarexx to other veterinarians. It's safe, effective and simple to use, period."Dr. Edward JezberaRiverside Animal HospitalRiverside, California
Acarexx® (0.01% IVERMECTIN) Otic SuspensionTreatment
Acarexx otic suspension is a prescription product available from your veterinarian.
Acarexx Otic Suspension vs. Traditional Mite Treatments
Acarexx Suspension Other Products
+ Easy, one-step application
(better client satisfaction) - Most require multiple applications
+ Water-based, non-oily
- Most are oil-based, leaving the ears
matted and oily, which attracts dirt
+ Don't have to clean ears before application - Most require ears to be cleaned
prior to administration
+ Safe even for four-week-old kittens -
Most can't be used to ear mites in kittens four-weeks-old
+ Approved by FDA (proven safe and
effective, prescribe with confidence) -Most do not have FDA approval
+ See quick results after just one treatment - Some products can
take weeks before seeing results
+ Contains no irritating solvents that
can cause hypersensitivity - Most contain oily solvents,
such as propylene glycol or glycerol
formal, which can cause irritation or
hypersensitivity
+ Premeasured vials - Accurate dosing can be difficult
+ Not a pesticide - Many products are pesticides
Nongreasy Acarexx Suspension Traditional Treatments
Acarexx suspension is nongreasy and easy to administer. Because it contains no irritating solvents, it won't cause hypersensitivity that can be associated with other products. Most other treatments are oil-based, which makes them difficult and messy to administer. Many contain solvents that can cause irritation and hypersensitivity in some cats.
Frequently Asked Questions1. Should I treat the entire animal with a flea shampoo or spray as is sometimes recommended in the literature? None of the animals in our efficacy studies were treated concurrently with a flea control product in order to kill "wandering" mites. However, if you routinely prefer this type of concurrent treatment and would like to continue, there should be no safety issues involved since ivermectin has been shown to be safe when used with flea products in other studies.
2. Should the ear canals be cleaned prior to administration of Acarexx, even though the label says it is not necessary? Acarexx is not a wax remover, although it is effective in the presence of wax. If the animal is cooperative, your vet may want to clean your cat's ears. For animals that are difficult to restrain, the excessive wax and debris will gradually be eliminated from the ear canal once the mites are eradicated.
3. Should all of the cats in the household be treated, even if they do not have ear mite infestations? Yes. All cats in the household should be treated to prevent inapparent carriers from acting as a source of reinfestation.
4. Can Acarexx be used to treat ear mite infestations in dogs? Acarexx is only labeled for use in cats. IDEXX has not conducted studies that demonstrate safety or efficacy in dogs. Any use of this product in dogs would be extra-label and we cannot recommend such use of our products.
5. Can ampules be split between two kittens? No. Acarexx has been proven effective in cats and kittens using the contents of one ampule per ear. We can only assure reliable efficacy when the product is used in accordance with label instructions.
6. Should the home environment be cleaned or treated when mites have been diagnosed? Otodectes cynotis will not live long off the host animal. There is no need to treat the environment, but it is recommended that all cats and kittens in the household be treated.
7. Can the cat/kitten continue to sleep with me? Yes, Acarexx suspension is not a pesticide.
Safety and Efficacy
Safety InformationIn safety studies, up to 30 times the recommended dose (cumulative) was administered with no adverse effects.In approximately 1% of 80 cats and kittens treated in a dose study and the clinical trial, pain associated with the pinna and vomiting were observed following treatment with Acarexx Otic Suspension.
