Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/29/2010

Question
hello, my cat must have been in a fight since he has a "piercing" through his ear...was tired for a day then back to his upbeat self, eating, drinking as usual but I noticed a small lump on the "hole"
It seemed to be quite hard and no hair on it, like a blister only it's pinky red like skin.  He's scratching at it.  Vet said I can wait to see if improves and put polysporin ...so that's what I'm doing....what do you think?
We tried to "pop" it with a sterilized needle, but still too hard to puncture without upsetting the cat....thought maybe pus would come out, since it seems soft and squishy to the touch?
Thanks for your advice
Lori

Answer
When the ear is punctured, the cartilage is punctured, too.  The release of chemicals from the cartilage is what is causing the severe reaction. (A granuloma)  You can use a topical steroid to minimize this reaction.  If it is oozing pus, then the cat may need to be on an antibiotic.