Expert: Karen Craft - 9/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: My 18yr old male cat Matty has had reocurring problems with one ear for about 2 yrs. Three vets later and three different ointments later we are no farther along than when we started.  From what I have been reading the nerves of the inner ear are affected by infection, he has been through the mill and is still as sweet and well behaved as anyone owner could ever believe.  This last vet is old school, told me to leave it alone for a month.  Well a month gone by my cat is as miserable as I have ever seen in all these years.  The vet thinks we need to cut the pus pocket behind his ear so the rest of the pus  can drain out and if he makes it through that, 50% 50% we can take it from there.  I am ready to try that because otherwise he will have to be put down.  I have never had to ever put down a cat. This is the first vet who put him on an oral antibiotic and it is helping. He is on amoxil 30ml. but they are pediatric drops, for a cat?? Should I tell him about the enrofloxacin or trimethoprim sulfadiazine after his operation?  What type of ointment is best for his ear treatment, is there anything all natural that you have seen success with?? Thankyou

ANSWER: Hi Judy,

Before you do surgery have you had his ear cultured to see if it is an infection? And to see exactly what type of bacteria is causing it? Exactly what is going on with Matty? Is he shaking and scratching at his ears? Is there a discharge from his ears? Are there scabs around them? Is he dizzy? Write back and let me know. Also what part of the country are you from? Regional things could be affecting him. I may be able to help you.

Ciao, Karen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Goodmorning, I also forgot to mention, his eyesight.  At one point it seemed like he lost it, he wouldn't see things directly in front of him, but he manuvered around quite well not bumping into furniture or walls or objects.  He wasn't diagnosed with being blind, but isn't this what peripheral vestibular disease is??  His left eye is looking healthier, but the right eye same side as ear problem is at half mast.  I see in your Credentials you have an A.A.S.  what does that stand for??

Answer
Hi Judy,

Here is an article that I think you should read. it is written about dogs but has references about cats. And I think it is topical for your problem
http://www.hcvma.org/notes/SpeakerNotesRobertKennis.pdf

His eyesight and non focusing could be PVD. Especially if he has some calcification in the ear canals. Hopefully your vet will look for this will he is under going his procedure.

The only thing that I could suggest for you to do before having surgery is to take him to a Veterinary University Clinic. They are usually on the cutting edge of treatments.

An AAS is an Associates degree in Science.

Hope all goes well. Good luck.