Ear Ablation Surgery

[white cat lover]

I've never heard of this before in a cat - at least not prior to November 2010. Since it seems to be relatively uncommon, I decided tonight to start this thread in hopes it will help someone in the future.

In Oct 2010 Squishy had a dental cleaning. A scope was inserted into his ear where a tumor or mass was found. Options were to leave it be or try ear surgery. His ear would drain blood so in November 2010 he had ear surgery.

An ear ablation involves removing the ear canal - Squishy's was far more extensive than anyone imagined, as once the vet got in there his mass was much bigger than anticipated. It was non-cancerous, so the vet proceeded with the surgery.

I picked up my 16 - 18 y/o boy the next day & took him home in tears. I couldn't believe what I had done. What followed were 6+ weeks of recovery - I'd hazard to say it took 6 months to fully heal. The first 6 weeks were awful, I had to take great pains to ensure he didn't scratch it open, etc.

He had to wear a cone for short periods of time, thankfully a gauze pad/gauze neckwrap kept him from scratching his ear open. Nail caps kept his claws covered so he couldn't do so much damage.

Then - Nov 2010





Today - May 13, 2011

Normal ear canal



Ear ablation ear - no ear canal

 

[Draco]

poor thing! I can't imagine the pain that he was in. I didn't realize they'd make such a big incision to remove such tumors

Can he hear from that ear anymore? was he in pain before the surgery from the tumors?

 

[white cat lover]

It took such a large incision as they have to remove the ear canal. He is now deaf in that ear. Cats hide pain well, so it's hard to know if was in pain or not - but the comparison I was given is it feels as though you always have something "stuck" in your ear. He's actually much happier now than he was for a long time, that may have been growing in his ear for a year!

 

[jimmylegs]

thanks for this update! How is he doing now? would you say that after 6months he is back to 'normal'? i may need to have this done for my cat who has persistent ear polyp issues. I'm hoping to get her the less invasive ventral bulla osteotomy surgery, but the vet has already mentioned ablation.

Thanks for the photos too, I wasn't sure what it would look like post-op but it appears quite normal (ie you can't really tell there's anything different from a casual glance).

 

[white cat lover]

jimmylegs - if you wish I do have more close-up pictures. They are a bit more graphic but can give you a good idea of what to expect. Because of their nature I don't want to post them, but can PM them to you if you'd like.

I'll be honest, I was regretting doing the surgery at first for a few weeks. It wasn't pretty, nor was recovery smooth. He couldn't wear a cone as it tore at his ear, yet I had to keep him from itching it (and it really itched).

It's now the 6 month mark & his ear has finally healed. The initial plan was to leave a small drainage hole in, but that healed up also so the vet just left it completely closed.

 

[jacky5944]

My cat Crumpet came from a shelter 8 months ago. Her ears were both badly crumpled. I had no idea of the problems her ears were still causing her as I had never seen this before. Despite many antibiotics and flushes etc nothing would clear the awful smell coming from them which filled the room or the brown sticky glue oozing from them. Also she had a snotty problem where she was always trying to blow stuff from her nose which came out plentifully.

I had her worst ear surgically removed, crumpled flap and total canal removal in December (5 months ago). The change in her was almost immediate. Despite the pain left from the surgery she seemed so happy to have got rid of it. She was feeling better in just a few days and was very snuggly and ate ok.

I forgot to mention that up until this point she lived under my bed and would only come out to eat so she must have been feeling awful. I was worried about how I was going to get an under the bed cat to come downstairs and be part of the family. She sorted that out herself. On the same day the stitches and cone were removed she came downstairs and stayed. She was so much happier.

I have just had the same surgery done on the other ear just 2 days ago. But this time there will be a difference. There was no need to have the cone so big or for her to wear it for so long.

The cone has been cut shorter finishing just so that her nose peeps out. She can still clean her rear end. She can reach her food and water. She did not bang and crash around as she did with the first one as she can see where she is going. And she can get in the litter tray instead of bouncing off the cone and giving up and going somewhere else. It only needs to be long enough to keep her back foot off it. Also had her claws clipped very short.

She is very squirmy and wriggles around like a dog in the sun. Her nose is not so problematic and the snot seems to be decreasing already. I would recommend this surgery as long as the surgeon is a good one and takes care with the facial nerve not to damage it.

She does not have any side effects such as eye droop, paralysis or loss of balance. Right now she is scoffing some treats off the carpet. I am spending hrs every day rubbing and scratching her neck because the collar is making it itch but that seems to be her main problem which is pretty good as far as problems go.

I am fairly confident that when this second ear is healed she is going to be a happy grateful cat.

Hope this helps someone else.

 

[kkcliffy]

I'm so glad you posted this.  I wanted to get a feel for what Taffy will be going through after I take her in for her surgery on Tuesday.  I had very little idea what to expect during recovery or how long it would take.  The specialist is 90% sure that her tumor is cancerous and her health has been going downhill, fast.  I'm just glad we found a way to afford it, so she'll have a chance to be happy again.

 

[peanuts mom]

My 11 year old kitty "Peanut" is scheduled to have a total ear canal ablation surgery on July 30th. I have been so afraid of the risks associated with this procedure, but after all she's been through, and continues to go through with chronic ear infections and oozing gunk from her ear, I opted to have this done knowing it has to help her.  Because of her age, she's had a total work up, including cardiac testing. She is otherwise in excellent health, very social, eats like a little piggy and plays when she feels like it. She's a snuggle bug, and not much of that has changed, even with all she's going through with the meds, the ear bath and the ear drops I have to do every day.

I was concerned about recovery time. I am confident with her surgeon, but there were so many questions I didn't have the chance to ask, so I came here hoping to find answers.  I have. I wanted to thank you and everyone here for their input. 

She originally underwent surgery back in March, as she was diagnosed with just a polyp.  It wasn't until they got in there to remove it, that they realized it was much more involved, and that it was, indeed, a mass.  It tested non-cancerous (thank GOD) and I was not going to put her through anymore operations. However, it did continue to get infected, oozing more than ever about a month after the initial surgery. So here I am.

I hope that everything goes well for my little furbaby, and that I can update how well things are once she's home and recovering.  She is part of my family, so like all of you, I will do what I need to do to get her well and back to good again!  How can we not, right??? Thanks everyone!

 

[jcat]

to TCS!

that everything goes well for Peanut!

 

[peanuts mom]

Well, Peanut is now home after having a total ear ablation of her left ear.  I went to the animal hospital to visit on her 2nd night (they wouldn't let her come home, she had a spiked temperature) and was quite surprised at what she looked like.  I anticipated the same as the photos on the kitty in this forum.  However, her ear was not cut like this.  As a matter of fact, her ear was cut horizontally, and a lima sized tumor was removed from her ear canal, along with the entire ear canal.  Then is was sewn shut.  So, her ear, on the bottom, was cut away from her head and was approached in that manner. I know the healing will not look normal, but once her fur grows back in, I'm sure it will be as normal as she can be!  All I know is that I still question myself, as her discharge instructions were very demanding, and living alone, it's very hard to adhere to all the instructions I was given.  I will not cut corners in regards to her care, but I may have to alter the timing a bit.  The medicine they want me to give her twice a day, is so disgusting tasting (they told me it was) that she drools terribly after I try to give it to her. I say try, because even though she's not 100%, she's 100% sure she does not want this medicine!  I have to lock her in the bathroom (it's the only room in my home that has a door, and they want her to remain calm and removed from anxiety, my other cat!)  I wish I knew how to download photos, as I took a few when I was at the hospital.  I will take more as she progresses towards normalcy, just so I have a diary of her before and after! 

 

[peanuts mom]

I just posted a photo on my profile, but am not sure how to transfer it here!  Any suggestions?  I'm not really as computer literate as I'd like to think

 

[steve200721]

Hi,

My cat has ear polyps in both ears and while vets are trying to see if they can perform laser surgery to remove the polyps they have mentioned removal of the ear canals. I am very concerned as while I want to get best treatment possible and do not want to loose my cat I feel like I am going to be cruel removing both ear canals and very concerned about what kind of future he would have as he loves going outdoors. Would like to know if anyone has experience of having the two canals removed and if their cars made a full recovery and can still live same life and go outdoors. 

Thanks

Steve

 

[peanuts mom]

Hi Steve,

My kitty just had one of her ear canals removed.  It was a week ago Tuesday. While it's a little different than your kitty, I can make a few suggestions considering I had the same concerns before I decided to go this route.

First, I would ask about polyp removal only. I tried this with my kitty, but as it turns out, they couldn't remove it because it was a mass that had grown around her ear canal. They biopsied what they could remove and it was inconclusive. The threat of cancer was always there.

I then decided to take her to a different vet for a 2nd opinion.  She indicated that if it were her cat, she would have the ear canal removed so that she can continue on with life without chronic ear infections.  She is 11, and I was afraid, but I took her advise and consulted with a specialty vet (surgeon) who did the surgery after determining that she was capable of handling the operation.

I can only say that if she has 2 ears that have polyps, and you want her to continue to be an indoor/outdoor cat, I would see about removing the polyps BEFORE have the ear canals removed. This would render her completely deaf, and if she wants to go outside, that might not be a good idea. Unless you decide to leave her inside, strictly, and how awful would it be if she got lost?  She wouldn't be able to hear predators (coyotes or fischers) or you calling for her if she wasn't around.  If you are asking these questions, you must care enough about her to want to know everything that could happen.

If I could have just had the polyp removed, I would have opted for that. But I had no choice. Please research a little before making a decision that cannot be reversed.  I wish you lots of luck and your kitty an easy transition regardless of which route you decide to go. Our kitties are part of our family, and it's very traumatic for our furbabies and US to have any health challenge!

Peanut's mom

 

[42bubba]

Hi my ktty Bubba just had a total ear ablation surgery a week ago today and hes a very sore boy.I was wondering if anyone had a problems about a week after surgery with extremly stuff up nose and watery eyes he is so congested.I brought him to the vet post surgery and they doubled his antibiotic but it really makes me mad that hes having a hard time breathing and im very concerned and scared that all the ooze that was comming out of his ears is now backing up in his sinuses because hes ears ae sewn shut no i would appriciate any feed back thankyou concered mama !!!!

 

[peanuts mom]

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty, and the issues he's having after his surgery. My Peanut had one ear ablation surgery on 7/30/13. She is still healing.  She still has a runny eye, buy my surgeon assures me that this is normal. When they do the ear ablation, they have to actually  move all the facial nerves that are near the ear canal. This can cause many issues, but most should be temporary.  I do not know how much information your surgeon made available to you, but mine was very detailed about what to expect and how long to expect it. My little Peanut is recovering nicely, but I notice little things that bother me, but are of no concern to the doctor.  I would not treat your Bubba's situation casually.  Congestion can be very concerning.  I would call your doctor and ask them how long this congestion is expected to last, and to what degree is it "normal" considering what he's been through.  I really feel bad for Bubba, and you.  I know it's never easy watching a defenseless animal suffering, even in the smallest of ways.  You are his only advocate, so please be pro-active on his behalf.  After all he's been through, and the expense it placed on you, I'm sure your doctor expects you to stay on top of this until it's resolved. Good luck!  My prayers are being sent your way.

 

[42bubba]

Thankyou peanut's mom i am going back to my vet tommorow to remove bubbas stiches and get some more pain med the stuffyness in his nose seems alittle better but of course i need to know what is causing it belive me i will get to the bottom of this,Thankyou for your response so quickly and i wish peanut a fast recovery i will keep you posted again thankyou so much !!!!

 

[vivkirk]

I inherited 5 cats in 2012 from my sister and brother who passed away, both in 2012.  I live in another state so brought them all home with me and set up my garage as a cattery.  I live in Oregon so it can be cold in the garage, but I had it insulated and it is heated and air conditioned.  They have a queen sized bed in there that gets changed weekly; and a giant sandbox.  Two cat trees seem to round out the playground with carpet and a recliner so my husband and I can sit in there with them and play with them or just be with them.  All of them are over ten years old and have had lots of dental work done due to bad teeth; and two have bad ears, with frequent infections.  Yesterday, Felix had to have a complete ablation in both ears.  We went to visit him today (we are leaving him in the cat hospital until Monday because he is over ten and we want them to be with hm 24/7 and know what to do if anything gets complicated.  We love this little guy very much he is so personable and sweet and talkative.  Today when I saw him I nearly passed out.  It is pretty dramatic.  His third eyelid was nearly covering his eyes; and he looked like he was in a lot of pain.  They are giving him pain medication "freely" but we went (with a prescription) and got a pain patch for him too.  He looked really "out of it".  But when I took him in my arms and set him on the vet table (he was wrapped in a quilt),he cuddled right up to me and began to purr.  The staff person told me he would not purr long because that had to hurt and she was surprised to see that he did that at all because he had quite a radical ear surgery in both ears.  He laid his head on my arm and wouldn't let me move,  I tried to bunch up some of the quilt under his chin so (I thought) he would be more comfortable but he pushed it away and used his paw to draw my arm back under his chin.  He is so adorable, even when looking so horrible.  The Vet told me this is not unusual for them to look that bad, it's pretty normal for the first few days.

.  We will visit him again and bring him home on Monday providing he is doing well enough to come home.  But we have to confine him to a small room (we have a bathroom that will work).  He is quite agile and I am not looking forward to confining him anywhere for any length of time if he is feeling better.  But he sure looks miserable.  I hope this was all worth it.

 

[vivkirk]

My little Felix is home.  He looks so awful.  His friend Frankie took one look at him and ran (these guys have always been very close friends) and hid under the bed.  He looks like an alien being.  It took me an hour to give him his medications this morning and remove the fentanyl patch, give him pain meds, put the ointment in his eyes and give him the Clavamax (which has something else in it).  He was pretty mad, even with as much pain as he must be in he was fighting me tooth and nail.  I got "stabbed" "clawed" and bitten.  (Yes, I have had a tetanus shot.)   He is NOT a happy little camper.  I am not sure at this point if this was the right thing to do.  Is there anyone out there that had this surgery on their cats and think it was a good thing?

 

[vivkirk]

How is your kitty now?

 

[vivkirk]

 
I'm sorry to hear about your kitty, and the issues he's having after his surgery. My Peanut had one ear ablation surgery on 7/30/13. She is still healing.  She still has a runny eye, buy my surgeon assures me that this is normal. When they do the ear ablation, they have to actually  move all the facial nerves that are near the ear canal. This can cause many issues, but most should be temporary.  I do not know how much information your surgeon made available to you, but mine was very detailed about what to expect and how long to expect it. My little Peanut is recovering nicely, but I notice little things that bother me, but are of no concern to the doctor.  I would not treat your Bubba's situation casually.  Congestion can be very concerning.  I would call your doctor and ask them how long this congestion is expected to last, and to what degree is it "normal" considering what he's been through.  I really feel bad for Bubba, and you.  I know it's never easy watching a defenseless animal suffering, even in the smallest of ways.  You are his only advocate, so please be pro-active on his behalf.  After all he's been through, and the expense it placed on you, I'm sure your doctor expects you to stay on top of this until it's resolved. Good luck!  My prayers are being sent your way.

Peanuts Mom - how is your kitty now?