Final answer:
The type of parasite commonly detected by cleaning the ear with a cotton swab is the ear mite or otodectes cynotis. Ear mites are tiny parasitic arachnids that infest the ear canals of animals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of parasite that is most commonly detected by cleaning the ear with a cotton swab is the ear mite or otodectes cynotis. Ear mites are tiny parasitic arachnids that infest the ear canals of animals, including cats and dogs.
They can cause itching, inflammation, and secondary infections. To diagnose an ear mite infestation, a veterinarian may collect a sample of ear wax using a cotton swab and examine it under a microscope for the presence of mites or their eggs.
Treatment typically involves using medicated ear drops or ointments to kill the mites and soothe the inflammation.