Operations in the ear canal area in animals
The need for this kind of surgery arises when a tumor or tissue hyperplasia of the external auditory canal is suspected.
Quite often, these two problems arise after long-term, chronic otitis media. Neoplasms of the auditory canal of dogs and cats are more often malignant and appear after 7 years of age, and hyperplasia, which is benign initially, can appear at 2 years of age. The treatment of these two diseases is basically surgical. For malignant tumors, it is necessary to remove the entire external auditory canal with excision of the submandibular lymph node (total resection of the external auditory canal with lymphodenectomy). This is the so-called ablasticity, when the tumor is removed, including healthy tissue and a nearby lymph node. The part of the ear that is not visible to the eye is removed and is felt as if inside, below the auricle. After such an operation, the animal does not hear in one ear, but the quality of life improves and, in small stages of the tumor process, a complete recovery occurs. Veterinary doctors recommend that you treat your animals as carefully as possible, since the earlier the owners notice the tumor, the greater the chance of curing the animal. After the operation, the animal remains in the veterinary clinic for at least a day, because... the operation is considered complex and requires close supervision by trained personnel. At home, the animal needs antibiotic therapy, rinsing of the postoperative internal cavity through drains and suture care. A collar is recommended, removal of drains on days 5-7 and sutures on days 12-14. How to notice a tumor at the initial stage? It's not that difficult. As we have already said, the tumor often grows in animals with chronic otitis, which means the ears are periodically examined and treated. Plus, the tumor often bleeds even at a small stage of the process. The tumor appears as a bright red growth inside the ear canal. But visualization is not always possible without a special instrument (otoscope). It is better to entrust the diagnosis to an experienced doctor (dermatologist, oncologist). If your animal is suspected of having a tumor of the external auditory canal, see a veterinary oncologist, he will easily diagnose you. It is worth remembering that oncology can be treated and even cured, but in the early stages of the tumor process. At the third stage of the process, when the tumor has already grown into the surrounding tissues and the submandibular lymph node is affected, it is no longer possible to cure the animal; you can only try to reduce the volume of the tumor using radiation therapy. This will prolong the life of your animal and improve the quality of life, but will not save it from the generalization of the process. Metastases in such animals appear within several months and are most often localized in the lungs. They are diagnosed using radiography. When an animal with a tumor of the external auditory canal has metastases detected on a chest x-ray at the initial appointment, we are talking about the fourth stage. Unfortunately, this stage cannot be treated. For hyperplasia of the external auditory canal, that is, benign tissue growth, depending on the degree of neglect of the process, two types of surgery are used. When the ear canal is almost completely closed, a total excision is performed, as in a tumor process. Otherwise, severe inflammation may develop and subsequently spread to the membranes of the brain. When there is moderate growth of connective tissue in the ear canal, plastic surgery is performed. Those. a window is made in the lower part of the vertical ear canal so that the ear can “breathe”, so that air can enter and ventilate the passage, preventing inflammation from developing. Only a doctor can decide which operation is indicated for your animal. And only early diagnosis of the disease will give us a chance to completely cure your animal. Remember this, get checked by a doctor on time and don’t get sick! >Malignant tumor in a cat's ear
and clinical picture
Tumors of the external auditory canal are not common in dogs and cats (Figure 1). Animals typically present with clinical signs of otitis externa, which responds poorly to conservative treatment. Other symptoms include otorrhea, head shaking, ear scratching, and visible swelling.
The presence of hemorrhagic discharge from the auricle may indicate injury or tumor growth (Lanz et al. 2004).
Pain when opening the mouth and the presence of neurological symptoms (facial palsy, Horner's syndrome, head tilt, ataxia and nystagmus) may be signs of middle ear damage. Middle ear involvement occurs in approximately 10% of dogs with malignant tumors and 25% of cats with benign ear canal polyps and malignancies (ter Haar 2006). The animal may have symptoms for weeks or years before the animal is admitted to the clinic.
In animals with ear canal tumors, otitis may occur secondary to obstruction of the ear canal by the tumor (Figure 2). However, there is a relationship between chronic otitis media and the secondary development of tumor lesions (Rogers 1988; London et al. 1996; Moisan et al. 1996; Zur 2005).
The presence of a tumor (neoplasia, foreign body, non-tumor growth) should be suspected in any animal that has had otitis externa for a long time and has not responded to drug treatment (Rogners 1988).
Bilateral lesions do not exclude the possibility of a tumor. There are several publications of dogs and cats with tumors (ceruminal gland adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) located in both ears (Theon et al. 1994; Bacon et al. 2003; Zur 2005).
Animals of middle and older age groups are at risk (Rogers 1988; ter Haar 2006). The median age for dogs with malignant tumors is 9.9 years (range 4-18 years), and for dogs with benign tumors it is 9.4 years (range 4-18 years). The median age for cats with malignant tumors is 11 years (range 3–20 years), and for those with benign tumors 6.9 years (range 0.5–15 years) (London et al. 1996). In another study, the average age of animals with malignant tumors was 9.8 years, and those with benign tumors were 7.7 years (Bacon et al. 2003).
Cocker spaniel dogs are predisposed to the development of benign and malignant neoplasms of the auricles due to their susceptibility to chronic ear infections (London et al. 1996).
Animals of middle and older age groups are at risk (Rogers 1988; ter Haar 2006). The median age for dogs with malignant tumors is 9.9 years (range 4-18 years), and for dogs with benign tumors it is 9.4 years (range 4-18 years). The median age for cats with malignant tumors is 11 years (range 3–20 years), and for those with benign tumors 6.9 years (range 0.5–15 years) (London et al. 1996). In another study, the average age of animals with malignant tumors was 9.8 years, and those with benign tumors were 7.7 years (Bacon et al. 2003).
If the owners notice swelling or blood from the ear of their pet, they need to contact a veterinarian. A tumor in a cat’s ear can be benign or malignant, and in the latter case, without timely treatment, there is a high probability of death. With the neoplasm, the kitten and adult also experience small pimples, peeling of the skin is possible and the hairs in the area of the damaged ear become light.
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 in a cat behind the ear. The cat has a tumor behind the ear, spreading under the chin, help
Please tell me what's wrong with the cat.
Basic ear: - for the symptoms a tumor the size of a plum has formed. She hardens, but becomes softer... - the tumor began to spread and increase lower to the chin. - the latter leaks from the ear, and when the pus bleeds, so that the blankets and pillows are covered in drops of blood. — the cat’s general condition is active. The nose is cold, runs around, asks for hands, generally as usual. True, I began to eat less. - the cat is 9 years old, weighs no more than 2.3 kg. It is necessary to take an x-ray to see how much the tumor has affected the ear, perhaps some important parts of the brain, so that we can operate in the clinic etc.? They prescribed ointment and drops, but they are of little use, since most likely this is something more serious than just otitis media. What.
ear it could be? And what is the reason for this education? Without tests and x-rays, what can you say?
trim the fur from the sore and apply thickly with ichthyol ointment. This is an abscess. The ointment will pull the pus into one place and burst. Drain the pus from the wound, rinse it with a solution of half a glass of furacillin vodka. You can directly inject the needle into the wound with a syringe. Then into the wound Apply Levomekol ointment for 2-3 days. Then rinse, cover with chlorhexidine and streptocyte. During the treatment period, inject 1 gamavit once a day, 0.5 ml. And the pus from the ear will stop flowing when the wound breaks.
Cancer 83.2%. And give it to the doctor in the ear (with your fist and with force) because if he has above average education, then it’s For.
what you bought is NOT OTITIS. Or, at the very least, it is necessary to climb inside for sure.
Mmm...maybe the lymph node is so inflamed? You need to watch your cat. And it’s better to look for someone else, a good specialist, ask around on the cat lovers’ forums, they’ll suggest a specific vet. Good luck in Tags!
trim the fur from the sore and apply thickly with ichthyol ointment. This is an abscess. The ointment will pull the pus into one place and burst. Drain the pus from the wound, rinse it with a solution of half a glass of furacillin vodka. You can directly inject the needle into the wound with a syringe. Then into the wound Apply Levomekol ointment for 2-3 days. Then rinse, cover with chlorhexidine and streptocyte. During the treatment period, inject 1 gamavit once a day, 0.5 ml. And the pus from the ear will stop flowing when the wound breaks.
Diseases of the external ear of cats.
Wounds and injuries to the ears of cats.
Wounds on the outer surface and inside the pinna of a cat's outer ear are mostly the result of fights between cats, accompanied by damage from teeth and claws. Bites and scratches that do not lead to ruptures of the ear cartilage tissue in most cases heal on their own in cats, without special treatment. However, there is a possibility (especially with bite wounds) of infection, which leads to the formation of tumors and the development of abscesses. Additionally, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure any necessary treatment is given to any wounds or tumors on your cat's ears.
Hematoma of a cat's ears.
Hematomas are large, blood-filled tumors that occur when small blood vessels under the skin rupture, causing bleeding and blood to pool between the skin and the cartilage tissue of the cat's ear. Although ear hematomas are much more common in dogs than in cats and are usually caused by some kind of trauma to the ears - in some cases it may be due to the cat scratching the ear itself. Noticeable swelling usually forms quickly and is often accompanied by quite severe pain. To prescribe appropriate treatment, the veterinarian needs to determine the main cause of the cat’s ear inflammation. Treatment of an ear hematoma in a cat may sometimes even require surgery. Fibrosis and scars that often form after a hematoma can lead to the formation of permanent small deformities of the ear. More detailed information can be found on the Cat Ear Hematoma page.
Solar dermatitis of the cat's ears.
Solar dermatitis (photodermatitis, sun allergy) is an inflammation, usually on the tips of a cat's ears, caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This ear disease is more common in cats with white or pale pink ears living in countries with sunny and warm climates. In the early stages, the skin turns red and begins to peel. As they develop, the ears may bleed, become covered with scabs and ulcers. If solar dermatitis is not treated, the disease can lead to the formation of squamous cell carcinoma (a malignant skin tumor). As a treatment, surgical removal of the tip of the ear is usually recommended, while the appearance, as a rule, is almost not affected, and the cat’s quality of life is not reduced.
To reduce the risk of sunburn in hot countries, it is not recommended to let your cat outside in the middle of the day and to use a protective cream for the ears and nose (I can hardly imagine a cat that would tolerate it on the nose, but maybe it is possible?). Moreover, you need to use special creams for cats, since products for humans can be toxic to cats.
Sarcoptic or feline scabies.
Cat scabies develops due to infection of the cat's skin by parasites - mites of the Sarcoptes or Notoedres species. Sometimes it can cause irritation and itching, most often on the cat's ears. Diagnosis is made by examining skin scrapings. Currently, there are drugs that can effectively treat cats for scabies.
Autumn tick (Trombicula autumnalis) in cats.
Autumn mites cause seasonal ear problems in outdoor cats. The characteristic orange "pinheads" of mite larvae, usually visible on a cat's ears, face and paws, cause irritation and itching. Procedures for treating ticks must also be carried out on the recommendation of a doctor, who will determine the most effective treatment for each case.
Otoscopy
Diagnostics
Cytology
Histopathology
Inoculation on microbiological media
Cultures are recommended in the presence of otitis media and in cases of severe otitis externa. However, there are certain nuances that the clinician should take into account. Thus, a study was conducted on 16 dogs, in 10 of which cultures indicated that the empirical treatment with local remedies did not seem to be effective, and yet the effect was observed in 90% of cases. Other data indicated a discrepancy between cytology results and culture results. There is evidence that (if we talk about cultures) it is better to carry out several studies at once in order to obtain reliable results, since in different ears and even in different parts of these ears (ear canals, middle ear) there may be a different “set” of microorganisms. There is also an opinion that one should not rely on the results of crops, because the local concentration of antibiotics is significantly higher than their concentration in the blood, which makes it possible to effectively use antibiotics through their local use, both alone and in combination, regardless of the culture results. Thus, routine use of ear cultures is unlikely to be beneficial, especially if topical medications are used. The exception is those cases when, as a result of severe inflammation and stenosis of the auditory canal, access to the middle ear (in the presence of otitis media) for washing it and administering topical therapeutic drugs is difficult. Such complex cases require the use of a combined therapeutic and diagnostic approach: drainage of the middle ear cavity through access through the tympanic bladder (ventrally); performing cytology and culture; use of systemic therapy (first empirical, then based on culture results); washing the middle ear through drainage using local medications 43-45. The method of middle ear drainage is described in detail in the literature. However, it should be noted that we do not use this method in our clinic for a number of reasons: animal owners are not ready to manipulate the drainage catheter; the catheter itself can injure the middle ear, thereby exacerbating the problem.
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.
What symptoms of ear pathology require you to contact a veterinarian?
As can be seen from the above, any disease of the hearing organs can result in serious complications for a cat. Most of these pathologies are difficult to diagnose and cannot be treated at home, so you should take the animal to the veterinarian as soon as the first symptoms of the problem are discovered:
- strange behavior;
- increased body temperature;
- swelling or deformation of the ear;
- the appearance of fluid, pus or an unpleasant odor from the ear canal.
Diseases of the cat's middle and inner ear.
Because of their very close relationship, diseases of the middle ear (otitis media) often also affect the condition of the inner ear (otitis interna), causing problems with maintaining balance. Affected cats hold their head tilted to one side, may have difficulty walking, and also tend to “walk in circles,” leaning toward the affected ear. In some cats, middle ear disease can spread to the outer ear, and vice versa if the integrity of the eardrum is damaged.
The most common diseases of the cat's middle and inner ear are:
Cat middle ear infection.
Middle ear infections are more common in kittens and usually result from the infection spreading to the eustachian tube (the small tube that connects the nose to the middle ear), or as a complication from an upper respiratory tract infection. In the case of purulent otitis media, if the eardrum is damaged, the infection can also easily spread to the cat's middle and inner ear.
Benign neoplasms - Polyps can develop in the middle ear or eustachian tube of a cat. The formation of polyps is possible in cats of any age, but most often they develop in younger cats. The causes of ear polyps are currently unclear; they can grow in the nasopharynx and/or middle ear of cats. If polyps form in the middle ear, the eardrum may be damaged. Such polyps may be visible in a cat's outer ear.
Middle ear tumors in cats.
Benign and malignant tumors rarely form in a cat's middle ear.
Methods for detecting and treating middle ear tumors in cats depend on the specific situation. Typically, X-rays (or more modern means such as magnetic resonance imaging and computer scanning) are used for diagnosis; as a rule, such examinations require the use of anesthesia. Washing the middle ear and/or obtaining tissue samples from the middle ear (for cytology and culture) can also be used to determine the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, treatment involves surgery, which involves a procedure called a Bull's Osteotomy, in which part of the bony wall of the middle ear is removed to ensure complete removal of the polyp tissue.
The ears of cats and cats are often subject to dangerous diseases. They can cause discomfort and discomfort and cause severe hearing loss. If the animal begins to shake its head and try to scratch its ears, it needs to be seen by a veterinarian.
Possible treatments
Therapy for each cat is selected individually depending on the diagnostic results and the severity of the tumor in the ear. During treatment procedures, it is necessary to treat the affected area with antiseptic solutions several times daily. In case of an inflammatory reaction or minor damage, medications of the following groups are used:
- antibiotics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- painkillers;
- immunostimulating.
If the tumor is benign, then it is surgically removed. During the postoperative period, the cat needs to take medications for a speedy recovery. When the tumor is oncological in nature, chemotherapy is first performed, followed by surgery to remove the tumor in the ear area. The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chances of curing it. In advanced forms, when cancer cells have spread to other lymph nodes and internal organs, treatment is ineffective and the cat must be euthanized.
A complete examination of the external auditory canal will need to be done under sedation (with rare exceptions). If necessary, cytology or histology of samples from the middle ear is performed to adjust treatment.
A tumor in the ear can be benign or malignant. The Yusupov Hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic equipment from leading European and American manufacturers. This allows otolaryngologists to establish an accurate diagnosis in the shortest possible time. Oncologists take an individual approach to choosing a treatment method for each patient. All complex cases are discussed at a meeting of the expert council with the participation of professors and doctors of the highest category. Ear cancer is treated using the latest techniques.
Ear cancer is diagnosed in 2% of all malignant tumors and in 12% of tumors of the ENT organs. Tumors of the external ear account for up to 95% of all ear tumors. In 85% of cases of malignant neoplasms, a tumor occurs on the earlobe and auricle, and in 10% - in the external auditory canal.
What pathologies can affect a cat's ears?
Basically, the ears are affected by various parasites and mites. No less rarely, inflammatory infectious processes in the ears are diagnosed in animals. Hearing problems also arise as a result of injuries. The cat may suffer:
- otodectosis - a dangerous and serious disease that requires immediate treatment;
- otitis media and other pathologies of the outer and inner ear;
- eczema;
- dermatitis;
- hematomas, abscesses;
- tumors of different nature and degree of malignancy;
- necrosis.
Otodectosis
This pathology is caused by mites that parasitize the auricle and ear canal. A pet becomes infected with ticks through contact with a sick relative. Moreover, it is impossible to see a tick with the naked eye. Accumulations of parasite waste products are found in the ears.
Main symptoms of the disease:
- severe itching of the skin, while a large amount of deposits accumulates inside the ear;
- severe redness and scratching of the ear;
- anxiety due to severe itching and pain;
- the appearance of brownish scabs in the ear;
- dissemination of a strong foul odor;
- constant tilting of the head to the side affected by the infection.
If therapy is refused, the course of the disease becomes more complicated and is accompanied by:
- inflammation of the middle and inner parts of the ear, threatening deafness;
- the appearance of hematomas;
- perforation of the eardrum;
- inflammation of the membranes of the brain.
To get rid of the pathology, an effective veterinary drug BlochNet max is prescribed. It must be dripped into the ear, 4-6 drops, several times with a break of 5-7 days. The medicine should be injected into both ears, even if the mite has affected only one.
In the absence of this drug, the veterinarian prescribes antiparasitic and antibacterial agents. They treat the ears until the symptoms of the pathology are completely relieved. Self-medication of otodectosis is very dangerous.
Otitis
This is an inflammation of any part of the ear. In cats, the disease is a typical consequence of otodectosis. The most dangerous is otitis media, which affects the inner ear. Symptoms of the disease:
- redness of the inside of the ear;
- the appearance of a strong unpleasant odor;
- the appearance of purulent or even bloody discharge;
- a sharp decrease in hearing (moreover, some cats may experience periodic hearing loss);
- due to ear pain, the cat cannot chew solid food and especially dry food (preferring soft food instead);
- There is copious discharge of mucus or pus from the eyes;
- inflammation of the parotid lymph nodes is observed.
The most dangerous complication of otitis media in cats is meningitis. Without urgent treatment, it ends in death. Treatment depends on the form of otitis and includes the following measures:
- To get rid of purulent otitis media, antibiotics, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorhexidine are used. It is necessary to rinse the auricle with these medications.
- For chronic otitis media, veterinary antibiotics and compresses based on Dexamethasone are used.
- Wetzym veterinary drops are used to treat otitis externa.
- In case of fungal infection, a solution of phosphoric acid is prescribed, which needs to be used to treat the ears.
- With allergic otitis media, you first need to establish the cause of the disease, and only then prescribe certain pills.
Dermatitis and eczema
Dermatitis can occur due to skin damage from fleas and ticks. Because of this, the pet is constantly itching behind the ear. Numerous wounds and ulcerations appear on the auricle itself, which bother the animal with very severe itching. Scratching causes the affected area to increase.
Dermatitis can also be caused by a severe allergy to food or some environmental factors. With eczema, the skin of the ear swells and swells. Foul-smelling exudate accumulates inside the cavity. The pet constantly tilts its head and tries to get rid of the obsessive itch.
Exudate and other deposits are removed with hydrogen peroxide or a solution of baking soda. Wet areas should be lubricated with astringent preparations:
- lapis;
- Pyoctanin;
- picric acid;
- boric acid;
- zinc ointment.
For very severe itching, Cardiazol is prescribed.
Hematomas and abscesses
These diseases are associated with trauma to the animal. Hematoma is a consequence of mechanical damage to the auricle. Hematoma can be found especially often in cats in the spring, when they fight for a female. A cat may have not only bruises, but also scratches and other types of injuries. The ear can also be injured after a fall from a great height.
A hematoma appears as a result of a closed injury to the auricle. The affected area hurts very much. The pet is restless, presses his ear and does not allow him to be touched. The stages of development of a bruise are no different from those that occur in humans. The inflammatory process can develop after blood leaves the blood vessels. Due to untimely provision of assistance, suppuration and infection occur.
For hematomas, the cat is prescribed cold. An open wound should be treated with disinfectant solutions. If there is bleeding, it is important to apply a pressure bandage to the ear to reduce the rate of blood flow. An abscess always appears when there is an open wound or intense infection of the affected area of the body. Dust, sand, and earth almost always fall on an open wound.
If the affected area is large and the inflammatory process develops rapidly, surgical treatment is indicated. The doctor cleans the wound of fibrin and blood clots. After cleansing the wound, a sterile dressing is applied. This event is carried out using local anesthesia. It is necessary to prevent the animal from scratching its ear.
For hematomas, ointments are used: Levomekol or Lecomycetin. In case of severe suppuration, Vishnevsky's liniment and ichthyol ointment are used. Additionally, antibiotic therapy is used.
Ear tumors
They are rare in animals. But precisely because pet owners know little about the peculiarities of the development of tumors, they turn to the doctor only when the tumor is in an advanced stage and the choice of effective treatment methods is small.
Ear tumors in cats are divided into malignant and benign. The main symptoms of malignant tumors in the ear:
- a pronounced putrid odor emanating from the ear;
- the appearance of areas of baldness;
- the appearance of wounds in the auricle, from which a large amount of discharge of a different nature comes out;
- ear deformation.
Malignant pathologies of the auricle often occur in cats over the age of 10 years. Sometimes those animals that spend a lot of time in the open sun develop cancerous lesions of the ears. Carcinomas are prone to metastasis, sometimes this process develops rapidly.
Characteristic symptoms of benign ear tumors:
- severe itching of the ear, causing the animal to constantly scratch the ear and often tilt its head;
- slight discharge from the ear is observed;
- the ear increases in volume, and significant swelling forms inside the shell.
Benign neoplasms most often appear in animals over 7 years of age. Most often the ear can be affected by osteoma, ceruminoma and atheroma. Benign formations lead to an uncomfortable state of the animal.
If the tumor is a polyp, it is removed surgically. The same treatment is prescribed for all other types of neoplasms. Subsequently, it is recommended to take a course of antibiotics. To reduce pain, analgesics and NSAIDs are used in veterinary medicine.
Treatment for ear cancer may require removal of the ear canal or pinna. In the presence of metastases, chemotherapy is used. The prognosis for the course of a benign neoplasm is favorable. A cancerous tumor detected and removed in time can be treated, the outcome of which is favorable. In the presence of metastases, the prognosis worsens.
Necrosis
This is the name for progressive tissue death that develops as a result of hematoma or infection. As a result of tissue death, the ear turns black. It is impossible to cure such a disease. Surgeons decide whether to remove the affected part. If this is not done, the animal may develop gangrene and sepsis.
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Lipoma and atheroma
The area of skin around the ear contains a huge number of sebaceous glands. For this reason, lipomas and atheromas often form behind the ear. Lipomas that form behind the ear grow slowly and are often not cancerous. They are a soft-elastic formation with a smooth surface, surrounded by a capsule. Lipoma has the appearance of a wen.
We recommend reading: For Cats Prevention of Urolithiasis Stopcystitis
Atheroma is a cavity formation filled with sebum. Formed due to blockage of the sebaceous glands. Atheromas occur for the following reasons:
- Disorders of fat or carbohydrate metabolism;
- Genetic predisposition to increased oily skin;
- Hormonal imbalances and diseases of the endocrine system;
- Hyperhidrosis is a disease associated with excessive sweating;
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
Atheroma is a rounded formation protruding above the surface of the skin, which can reach up to 4.5 cm in diameter. When the tumor becomes infected or inflammatory reactions occur, the following symptoms occur:
- Pain behind the ear;
- Redness of the skin;
- Burning and itching;
- Fluctuation is a symptom that indicates the presence of fluid in a cavity formation.
When pressure is applied to the walls of the atheroma or they are damaged, the viscous mass contained inside comes out to the surface of the skin. It has a white color and an unpleasant odor. When atheroma suppurates, the contents have a green-yellow tint. Lipomas and atheromas behind the ear are removed surgically. Modern treatment methods are used - laser or radio wave removal.
- Paralysis of the oculomotor nerves;
- Trigeminal pain;
- Loss of all types of sensitivity and corneal reflex on the corresponding half of the faces;
- Decreased or lost taste sensitivity in the posterior third of the tongue;
- Paresis of the fold on the side of the tumor.
Ear diseases in cats are manifested primarily by changes in behavior. You should watch your pet and if this happens constantly, then something is wrong with the animal:
- constantly tilts his head to the side;
- shakes his head;
- twitches his ears sharply, as if they were splashed with water;
- often and suddenly rubs the ear with a paw;
- presses his head against upholstered furniture, against the carpet;
- does not allow ears to be touched, runs away when the head is stroked;
- scratches the ears often and strongly, resulting in bruising;
- loses orientation in space, when walking the cat is constantly pulled to the side.
If this behavior is noticed in your pet, you should carefully examine the inside of the ears. There may be redness and ulcers in the ears, light or dark discharge, dirt in the form of dark crumbs, bloating and swelling. The diseased ear may smell unpleasant, and when you lightly press on its base, a sound similar to squelching can be heard.
Changes can occur in one or two ears at once.
If you notice that your cat’s ear itches or hurts, and she is worried, and any discharge or changes inside the auricle are detected, then the question arises - what to do and how to treat. There are many ointments, drops and lotions, but they cannot be used without clarifying the diagnosis. If they can cure one disease, then in another case they can cause harm and waste time.
If your cat has ear pain, you should find out how to treat it at home from a qualified specialist after conducting a series of examinations.
The cat has a burst lump on his back. What should I do?
The cat is 1 year old. The lump appeared on my back a week ago. Large and soft. Today it burst and began to ooze. Tell me what to do? The veterinary service is very far away.
If you can’t get there far away and in the near future (although I would move mountains for the sake of my animal), then although this cry for help was posted on a veterinary forum, anything was more useless.
A sweat gland cyst has formed. Well, that’s how it was diagnosed)) And a lump is sweat accumulated under the skin. The cat is in the way, so he tore it apart. Nothing too scary, the main thing is to disinfect it well and don’t let it tear further.
The cat is 1 year old. The lump appeared on my back a week ago. Large and soft. Today it burst and began to ooze. Tell me what to do? The veterinary service is very far away.
So, the lump on the back has been growing for a week - is this normal? And now you suddenly got nervous? Idiocy. You would have waited a little longer, then the unfortunate cat would definitely be screwed.
Go to the vet. It doesn’t matter whether it’s far or not. If you love a cat, then this shouldn’t be a problem for you at all. Put the cat in a bag or carrier and off you go. It could be just a pimple (cats sometimes have them too), so is infection. Look at the veterinary forum for advice. But then, regardless of what they said on the forum, see a doctor! Definitely!
Author, if there is pus there, then it’s probably an abscess that has opened. I recently treated my cat for this. The veterinarian at home prescribed: hydrogen peroxide in a syringe without a needle - insert it into the wound and rinse it, pour it straight in. Then add sangel with a syringe. + human antibiotics, but I don’t remember the dosage.
The cat is 1 year old. The lump appeared on my back a week ago. Large and soft. Today it burst and began to ooze. Tell me what to do? The veterinary service is very far away.
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Your text Need to go to the vet urgently. My cat had this too, on his side. We thought another cat scratched it, if it broke, it would heal. IT WAS UNDER HIM
Source
Subcutaneous bumps in cats
It would seem - such a cautious creature! But in our world no one is immune from illness. One of the most common is a formation, the so-called subcutaneous lumps in cats.
Physical examination
If you notice that a kitten has a lump, a neoplasm, or a tumor, it is necessary to examine the kitten for other neoplasms that can appear anywhere - on any part of the body. Just examine the entire skin of the animal with gentle, stroking movements of your hands, trying to detect any other strange growths and neoplasms. Having felt some other “tumor”, make sure that this object is really not provided for by the anatomy. To do this, this area of the body must be examined from the other side and only then draw conclusions. If the lump is present on the other side of the body, then most likely it is just some anatomical detail, but a visual inspection will not be superfluous.
The main causes of bumps
A lump or other growth may indicate cancer. In this case, it is necessary to contact the clinic as soon as possible, because The road gets bigger every minute. The sooner you show your animal to a veterinarian, the higher the likelihood of your pet's recovery. However, lumps or tumors that were found on the body of a cat may indicate other ailments: a cyst, enlarged lymph nodes, hemorrhages, a foreign object or tissue tumor, hernia, abscess.
The following may also be a cause for concern: frequent body scratching, constant licking, redness on the skin, falling hair, greasy hair, peeling skin, infection. It is necessary to inspect the fur for parasites. Deterioration of the coat condition in cats may also indicate poor nutrition or an internal disease of the cat. Assess proper functioning of the heart and lungs
Tumors grow at the expense of the animal’s body and, according to the degree of aggressive impact on it, are divided into benign and malignant.
What is it connected with: the main reasons
A tumor behind a cat’s ear does not always indicate a pathological process. Sometimes a purulent lump or hematoma is a consequence of mechanical damage to the auricle. Swelling and hardening can also occur when a cat has a pimple in the ear canal. Other factors can also influence the violation:
- dermatological disease;
- benign neoplasms;
- hormonal imbalance in the cat’s body;
- inflammatory reaction in the ears;
- malignant tumors of the external auditory canal.
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