Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

We have a cat who had cancer surgery on his ear and they performed a total ear canal ablation. For the first two months after we took the cat home, he was fine but now the ear has opened and he is constantly leaking fluid. Also, the nictitating lens has covered the eye on the side where the surgery was performed. The ear does not really smell and he is eating very well though he has lost a lot of weight. We took the cat back to the vet and he prescribed antibiotics. They have not helped at all. My mother has been giving him Tumeric orally and on the open wound but it really hasn't been getting better. I assume his cancer still exists which is why he continues to lose weight. His behavior is pretty normal, he is always seeking affection but it is hard with all the fluid constantly leaking. Is there anything we can do to make the cat more comfortable and maybe stop the leaking?

I think a return visit to the vet is in order here - if you are not happy with the treatment you are getting from the vet who did the surgery, then perhaps you should take the cat to another vet for a second opinion. I don't think dosing him with a home-made remedy is helping him, at least from your description of the situation, and further medical evaluation is needed.

Good luck to you and the cat!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thanks for the advice. The surgery was actually performed at a large animal hospital (about 30 staff vets) on Long Island that specializes in cancer treatment for dogs and cats. I will take the cat to a different vet at this facility. One of the problems at this point is, it has already cost upwards of $11,000.00 and I am sure it is only gonna cost more but I would never do anything (such as euthanasia) because of costs but it is gonna be tough money wise. I wish there was a way to submit pictures through the forum so you could actually see what I was talking about. I really appreicate your help and advice and let you know what the results are.

Thanks,
Eric

Hi There,

I think first you have to find out why the ear is leaking and exactly why the fluid is there in the first place. It might be a good idea to for a vet to make a smear of the fluid and check it under the microscope, in addition to doing a culture. Healing should be complete this long after surgery.

This could be something relatively minor, like an ear hematoma, if there is a lot of head shaking. Steroids may be helpful if there is a lot of inflammation, as well as changing antibiotics if an infection is present.

I read MadameAlto's reply and I agree that seeing another vet is a good idea. Please let us know what happens.

Regards,
PHKitkat