A Look At Ear Polyps In Felines
June 27, 2009 by
Filed under Cat Care
Ear polyps in cats are benign growths in the middle ear, close to the ear drum, or in the back of the throat. This condition is very rare. When they do occur, they can affect cats of any age or sex. However, cats no older than four years old are usually affected. Keep reading to learn all about cat ear polyps.
Causes
As an owner, you may wonder how your feline could develop these growths. Unfortunately, no one knows their exact cause, but there are a few possible reasons for their appearance. Some speculate that they form as the result of inflammation from bacteria or fungi. It is also thought that polyps can be caused by feline calicivirus.
Signs
Ear polyps in cats causes some of the same symptoms brought on by an ear infection. One of the most common signs is shaking and scratching his head frequently. Sometimes, a thick discharge will emerge from the affected ear. Cats may also lose the ability to walk straight due to loss of coordination. Other cats experience trouble breathing and swallowing.
Diagnosis
The ear drum can become severely damaged if ear polyps aren’t detected early enough. The vet will need to use an otoscope to look in your cat’s mouth and ears. Sometimes, it’s necessary for your cat to take an x-ray. Although they’re most always benign, they may be cancerous. A biopsy can determine what kind it is.
Treatment
Most cats with ear polyps have to have surgery. There are two forms of surgery. During one procedure, the stalk will be cut so the polyp can then be removed. The drawback of this method is that the polyp will likely recur since the base isn’t cut.
Your cat could also have the second form of surgery. This procedure removes the base so the polyp doesn’t recur. During surgery, the bone that surrounds the inner ear will need to be removed so the base can be cut. The invasive procedure offers the best chance for no recurrence in the future.
All owners should know a little something about various diseases that can affect their cat. You can read up on many different potential health problems at cat-illnesses.com. Click over right now.
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