Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/17/2007

Question
My cat, after what appeared to be an ear infection, then spread to the other ear, was quite feverish.  The infected ears had scabs and she lost hair around her ears.  I was given Otomax ointment by our vet.  Since the infection she has lost a lot of weight and become very weak.  She is no longer active, has no appetite and I'm sure is dehydrated.  Our vet has yet to diagnose what she has exactly but has prescribed Novoprednizone, Chlor Palm 250 and Vetamino-4x.  What is wrong with our cat?

Answer
Ear infections do not spread from ear to ear.  I n a cat, often if they have an upper respiratory infection, it can move up the eustacian tubes and can get into the middle ear. So the cat probably has middle ear problems.  These need to be treated byy having tyour vet flush out the middle ear and put the cat on an antibiotic that will kill the bacteria.