After obtaining a thorough medical history from the owner about the cat's symptoms, environment, and history of illness, the veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam, using an otoscope to examine the ears and their canals. Some cats may need to be sedated so that their ears can be examined properly.
Other tests that may be performed include cytology, in which the veterinarian takes a swab from the ears and examines this material under the microscope for abnormalities such as ear mites, yeast, and bacteria. This test provides the veterinarian with a tremendous amount of information about the condition of the cat's ears. If the cytology reveals evidence of a severe bacterial infection, a culture may be necessary to identify the type of bacteria and the appropriate antibiotics that can be prescribed.
