The cat is a very active pet. He loves to climb trees, jump, get into hard-to-reach places, and even sometimes fight. But such pranks do not always end well; the cat quite often inflicts various injuries on itself.
One of the most common problems affecting our furry friends is ear disease. How to determine the location of an injury or understand the cause of your cat's anxiety? First you need to observe the symptoms.
Symptoms
If your cat has swollen ears, the following symptoms may appear:
- elevated temperature;
- odor from the ear;
- redness or swelling of the skin;
- the cat walks with its head tilted, shakes or twitches it, scratches its ears with its paws.
There may be several reasons why a cat's ear is swollen. Let's look at the main ones.
Ticks (otodectosis)
This is one of the common cat diseases. In 80% of cases this is what is diagnosed. The disease is caused by a mite called Otodectes cynotis, which parasitizes your pet's skin in the upper layers of the epidermis.
Ticks can appear when a healthy animal comes into contact with a sick animal, and can also enter the body through fleas or flies. Many may ask: “Why does my furry dog have mites, since we always stay at home?” The answer is simple: the person himself could carry the infection, for example, on shoes or clothes, although this parasite is not dangerous for us!
Mostly kittens up to one year old or adults with weakened immune systems get sick. Moreover, the disease mainly begins in the summer, because ticks love warmth.
Treatment
If a cat's ear is swollen due to ticks, what should I do?
To defeat the disease, you must follow the following stages of treatment:
- Treat the ear canal with an antiseptic. Remove all crusts and scabs from the damaged area and treat for pus. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as an antiseptic. Use cotton swabs when cleaning the ear canal.
- Use of anti-tick drugs. After treating the animal's ears, you need to massage them thoroughly.
- If the disease is advanced, you may need acaricidal injections.
- If your pet is very concerned about itching and irritation, then you can use the antibacterial agent Otonazole.
- To effectively treat ear mites, you need to take care of strengthening your pet’s immunity. This can be done by adding beneficial minerals and vitamins to your diet.
Bacterial otitis: causes, symptoms and treatment
The inflammatory process may involve one or both ears. The disease is accompanied by:
- unbearable itching;
- discharge of dirty yellow purulent exudate;
- redness;
- an unpleasant odor that appears due to the fact that the ears are festering.
A sick kitten or adult animal becomes lethargic, apathetic, refuses to eat, and sleeps poorly due to the fact that its ears hurt and constantly itch. Microbial otitis media is treated with antibacterial drugs in the form of injections. Typically, four-legged patients are prescribed penicillins and cephalosporins. The course of antibiotic therapy is 7 days, even if the symptoms of inflammation disappear earlier.
To eliminate itching and pain, ear drops (Otibiovin, Otonazole, Aurikan) are used. To properly instill them at home, you must carefully study the instructions for use. For severe scratching, wound healing ointments (Levomekol, Iruksovetin) are used. If there is heavy purulent discharge, the ear should be washed at the veterinary clinic. If a blockage of the ear canal is detected, the help of a surgeon is sought.
Otitis (middle ear disease)
If your cat's ear is swollen, otitis may be the cause. It is most often caused by parasitic diseases, allergic manifestations (pollen, dry food, dust), bacterial, viral, fungal infections, and injuries. In addition, it may be poor hygiene of the ear canal.
Factors that provoke otitis media are hypothermia, reduced immunity, moisture getting into the ears, genetics (predisposition in the British and Scottish fold breeds).
Diseases of the cat's ear canals.
The term Otitis is sometimes used to refer to diseases that involve any inflammation of a cat's ear canals (or even the pinna). Otitis is not an independent disease, since many ear diseases, to one degree or another, cause inflammation in the ear canal.
Parasitic otitis media, otodectosis in cats.
Otodectosis (or ear scabies) is quite often the cause of the development of otitis media in cats, especially younger ones. The cause of otitis in this case is infection with ear mites of the genus Otodectes cynotis, which is easily transmitted from one cat to another. The mites themselves are visible to the naked eye as dry white grains, often actively moving. A cat's (or even a small kitten's) ears can harbor large numbers of mites. Mites spend their entire lives in the ear canal or in close proximity to it, but for a short period (two to three weeks) they can survive in the external environment. Some cats show little to no signs of a mite infestation, but in most, the mite causes a severe allergic reaction and intense itching in the ears. The membrane lining the ear canal swells, the cat begins to scratch its ears and shake its head. Usually there is a waxy discharge from the ears that is dark or black in color. In some cases, otitis media in cats is also accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. Diagnosis of parasitic otitis media is usually not difficult, as is its treatment, for which ear drops are used. Some spot-on insecticides, such as selamectin, are also very effective against ear mites without directly attacking the inside of the ear. In some cases, therapeutic ear cleaning may be required, but this must be carried out by a specialist, sometimes using anesthesia.
Bacterial infection of a cat's ears.
Bacterial (purulent) otitis in cats is often secondary to other ear diseases - ear mites, foreign bodies, injuries, etc., although sometimes an ear infection develops without an obvious external cause (especially in kittens). Pus in the ears of cats can be caused by fungal infections. Pus usually accumulates in the cat's ear canal, an unpleasant odor is felt, and the cat experiences discomfort. To identify the underlying disease, a cat examination is required. This (and possibly cleaning your ears) may require a short anesthesia. Antibiotics and antibacterial ear drops may be prescribed for treatment. However, do not rush to buy ear drops - they are useless until the primary disease is cured, and can even be harmful, especially if there is damage to the eardrum.
Foreign bodies in a cat's ear.
In cats, although much less frequently than in dogs, foreign bodies (such as plant seeds) can get into the ears, becoming stuck in the ear canals. This is usually accompanied by severe pain, itching in the ears, the cat may walk with its head turned unnaturally, etc. Anesthesia may be used to remove foreign particles.
Tumors in a cat's ear.
Tumors, especially in older cats, can develop in the skin lining the ear canal. The growths can be benign polyps and tumors, but are often malignant neoplasms (the most common is adenocarcinoma of the sulfur (ceruminous) gland). Tumors usually appear as multiple small nodules and are often accompanied by secondary infection, which is usually the most obvious sign of the disease. To diagnose the cause and determine the most effective treatment, it is necessary to examine the cat and take samples for a biopsy. In some cases, ear tumors in cats require surgical treatment.
To treat diseases of the outer ear in cats that develop due to chronic thickening of the tissues of the ear canal, or to gain access to a tumor that has arisen in the horizontal canal, it is sometimes necessary to perform a surgical operation - resection of the external auditory canal. To do this, the walls of the vertical canal are surgically removed.
Main symptoms
If a cat's ear is swollen inside or outside, symptoms include:
- animal anxiety;
- redness and irritation of the skin of the ear;
- pain effect;
- purulent discharge;
- decrease in animal activity;
- lack of appetite.
Experts classify inflammation into three types: external, internal and middle ear. If a cat's ear is swollen from the outside (with otitis externa), the affected tissue is on the surface and does not affect the eardrum. Such otitis media can be easily dealt with.
Otitis media is the most common and most often becomes chronic. With this type of disease, inflammation spreads to the eardrum. The most dangerous is inflammation of the inner ear. Not only the eardrum is affected, but also the vestibular apparatus. Inflammation is accompanied by purulent discharge, which can spread to the brain; in addition, this type of disease can lead to deafness of the animal.
Symptoms of otitis media include:
- the animal tilts its head;
- lopsided muzzle;
- problem with swallowing (due to disruption of the facial nerve);
- trembling of the eyeball (the disease has spread to the brain).
Clinical signs and diagnosis
Lymph nodes and lungs need to be carefully examined using X-rays, and 3 projections of the chest should be made to determine the presence or absence of metastases. If possible, CT or MRI should be used as they provide more information. It is also necessary to perform cytology or histology of the lymph node biopsy.
1. When there is a lump on the skin of an animal, the first step is to do a biopsy. This method involves removing a small piece of tissue, which is taken for cell microscopy.
2. X-ray.
3. Ultrasound.
4. Blood and urine for analysis.
These diagnostic tests are basic. But if necessary, they can be supplemented with others.
All studies are needed to determine whether the animal has cancer. If so, what form is it and what stage is it?
Mammary cysts are quite common in cats (pictured below). To the touch it resembles a ball or pea on the surface or in tissues. Such formations have a smooth surface and grow slowly. As a rule, such cysts do not cause pain, and the cat does not show anxiety when palpating them.
Treatment of the disease
If a cat's ears are swollen, what should I do? If your pet exhibits the symptoms listed above, you must immediately contact a veterinary service, where you will be prescribed qualified treatment.
Treatment begins with cleaning the ear canal from scabs, dirt, and pus using antiseptic drugs. If the inflammation is purulent, deep surgical cleaning is an option. After cleaning, the ear is treated with special medications. But remember: you cannot choose the drug yourself! You may harm the animal. Your task as the owner throughout the treatment is to provide your pet with a warm room, free from drafts and dampness.
To prevent otitis media, it is recommended not to allow the animal to become hypothermic, not to wet the ears when bathing, and to maintain hygiene of the ear canals.
Inflammation and perforation of the eardrum: symptoms and treatment
Chronic otitis media can lead to perforation of the eardrum and the development of an inflammatory process in the deep layers of the ear. Symptoms depend on the extent of damage to the septum and whether the inner ear is affected. You can distinguish this problem from others by the following signs:
- the pet often shakes its head and tilts it towards the organ that hurts;
- the animal is poorly oriented in space, walks in circles;
- the affected ear becomes red and swollen, and foul-smelling exudate is released;
- the cat hears poorly, becomes lethargic, refuses food;
- The cat has Horner's syndrome, in which the upper eyelid droops, the pupil narrows, and the eyeball sinks.
The veterinarian begins treatment only after making an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis includes a visual examination of the affected organ, otoscopy, x-rays, and in some cases CT and MRI. Four-legged patients are usually prescribed antibacterial and antifungal drugs to relieve inflammation in the organ of hearing, and systemic corticosteroids. If the membrane is slightly damaged, it recovers quickly. In more severe situations, surgical intervention is resorted to.
Hematomas
There may be another reason why a cat's ear is swollen - hematoma. It resembles a swelling, which is provoked by hemorrhage in the area between the cartilage and the skin of the ear.
The formation of a hematoma can be caused by mechanical damage, since the ear skin has a very thin structure, which is equipped with many capillaries. When a vessel is damaged, blood accumulates between the tissues, after which it acquires a bluish tint. Such injuries are most often sustained by cats that have free access to the outdoors. Your active pet can get injured anywhere from a fall from a tree to a fight with a yard dog. Sometimes the cat itself causes damage to blood vessels when scratching its ear.
Treatment of hematoma
If a cat has a swollen ear, how to treat it? At the initial stage of a hematoma, it is possible to apply cold. Frozen foods from the freezer are perfect for cooling. You can cool the ear for no more than 15 minutes. If the wound is open, do not forget to disinfect it. In case of a bleeding wound, it is necessary to apply a bandage. And a veterinary service specialist will take care of further treatment and diagnostics.
If the cat has a large hematoma and you are afraid of introducing an infection into the wound, then in this case the surgical method is used. The doctor makes an incision in the area of the hematoma, after which the wound is cleaned of darkened blood, and at the end of the operation a suture and bandage are applied. After such an operation, you must ensure that the cat cannot scratch its ear. To do this, you can use a special collar.
To prevent hemorrhage, adhere to the following rules:
- try to stay close to the animal while walking;
- promptly identify and treat ear diseases;
- rid the animal of parasites in a timely manner.
The cat has a tumor in her ear photo
Glomus tumor of the ear - Wikipedia.
Glomus tumor of the ear (glomanginoma) is a predominantly benign neoplasm that develops from paraganglia cells associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia, attached to such anatomical structures as the auricular branch of the vagus.
Cancer in a cat. Symptoms and treatment.
Lymphosarcoma, a highly malignant cancer of the lymphatic system and the most common type of cancer in cats, can be caused by the feline leukemia virus (felv). Feline leukemia virus. The tumor in the ear is red-pink, with discharge and a characteristic odor. We took histology and are waiting.
Benign tumors in animals.
Fibroma is a mature tumor of fibrous or loose connective tissue, consisting of a small amount of connective tissue fibers. Fiber, on the lips, gums, nasal mucosa, mammary gland, penis in cattle, horses, pigs, dogs and cats.
Cancer in cats and dogs. Interview with an oncologist.
Both dogs and cats. It is believed that spaying cats before their first heat significantly prevents both mammary and ovarian cancer. Recently we discovered a rapidly growing tumor in the ear area (more precisely, behind the ear, just below its base)... the tumor has now become the size of a walnut.
Has anyone encountered cancer in a cat?
About two years ago, a cat was found to have a tumor on the back of her neck, they thought it was a wen and a wen. A month ago it increased significantly. They took him to the vet, they cut him out and sent him for testing. Diagnosis of fibrosarcoma. I am interested in the advice of those who have encountered it, who treated it, how, and what the result was. Photo of the cat after surgery.
Abscess
When tissue is damaged, a purulent-inflammatory process called an abscess may begin.
An abscess in an animal can occur as a result of injury, damage to the skin with infection.
One of the factors that provokes a purulent abscess is the animal’s reduced immunity, age and concomitant diseases. The consequences of an abscess can be serious; the purulent mass can penetrate deep-lying tissues and cause serious harm to the body.
Symptoms of an abscess include:
- decreased appetite, lethargy of the animal;
- the cat constantly drinks water;
- the abscess area has swelling, redness, and heat.
When to contact a veterinarian
Cat owners need to be very careful and monitor the slightest changes in the behavior and health of the animal. The following signs should alert you:
- itching that causes your pet to scratch its ear;
- lethargy and weakness;
- increased body temperature;
- presence of a wound or other change in the ear;
- the appearance of any suspicious discharge from the ear.
You should contact the clinic even if even the smallest foreign body gets into your ear. Remaining in it, it can cause infection and a pronounced purulent abscess.
Abscess treatment
In order not to harm your pet, the best help is to go to the doctor, but if you need to do this urgently, and the cat has a normal temperature and the injury is small, then try to help your cat yourself. What do we have to do:
- Shave the area around the abscess.
- Wash and disinfect your hands.
- Squeeze out the pus using sterile wipes.
- Clean the affected area of pus using a sterile cotton swab.
- Treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide.
- Cover the wound with streptocide.
