Feline Ear Problem
Hello, I
have a male neutered 10 yr old cat with low white and red blood count and
some unidentified ear problem which causes him to shake his head
repeatedly and scratch his ears until most all hair is gone and often
bloody. After $1000 in blood tests/bone morrow/ear cleaning bills the vet
states he doesn't have Feline Leukemia but a non-specific blood
cancer. He is on 10 mg of Prednisone/day, 1/4 tablet of 2mg Alkeran every
other day, Neomycin/Dex/Thi 3-drops each ear twice daily and Gentocin
(Gentamicin Sulfate) for the abraded skin around the ears.He is minimally responding to treatment for the blood cancer, but what concerns me most is the on going ear problem and his discomfort as current treatment has done little to help and the vet states little more can be done as there is no indication of mites/yeast or other infection.
If you have any further insight which would help alleviate his discomfort I would be very grateful (as would the cat).
Cats, just like people, are susceptible to a multitude of different cancers. You can consult an oncology specialist veterinarian to more clearly identify the non-specific blood cancer, and to consider more treatment options.
The ears may be affected by the cancer directly, the cancer may generate blood clots which block vessels in the ears, or the cancer may weaken your cat's immune system allowing normal bacteria to induce inflammation. The ear itch could be induced by the current therapy. What ever the original cause of the irritation, the shaking and scratching creates inflammation and irritation which self perpetuates the problem. Just like the chapped lip scenario, you must block the cycle to stop the problem. Physical barriers may help. Consider using an Elizabethian collar, head bandages and/or paw booties to prevent self damage. Soothing ointments may comfort more than the antibiotic liquids you are using. Make sure the ear canals are free of mites and foreign bodies.
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