These ear mites are seen primarily in cats. They are spread from cat to cat. These mites cause severe inflammation of the ear canal. The ears are itchy and the cat will scratch the ear, sometimes to the extent of causing open sores in the skin behind the ear pinna. The canal itself becomes filled with dark gritty debris.
Treatment involves irradicating the mites plus cleaning and medicating the ear canal.
Topical ear medications or injectable ivermectin can be used to kill ear mites. These mites can live for a short period of time outside of the ear canal on the cat and in the environment. In cases of persistent reinfection it may be necessary to treat the premise but with newer products this is generally not required. These are ear mites of rabbits. If left untreated they cause heavy light coloured crusting of the ear canal.