Ear infection..

So, Grimmykins has basically had an ear infection in his left ear since the day I got him. He also had one in his right ear, but that one cleared up. I took him to the vet early on and was prescribed Mometamax and told to administer 3 drops per day for two weeks, I believe. Well, so I did this, and the infection seemed to be getting better and then go away, but then a few days after I stopped giving drops, I noticed him scratching and once again, there was wetness and goop in his ear. :[

Since then, I've been cleaning his ears out when I see gunk and giving him a drop or two maybe every other day or less. Sometimes he will not get gunk for a day or so, but then it always comes back.

I think I'm going to call this medicine a failure, but my question is, can I buy a different kind of drops online, or do I have to see my vet to have him looked at first? The problem is that the appointment cost me $100+ before, and if all he is going to do is hand me a $20 bottle, that kinda isn't worth it...

He also has FIV, so I expected his recovery to be slow, but this is a bit much..

Help? X_X

I can relate to the vet bills. It is always tempting to try something outside of the vets office.

But, honestly, I wouldn't do it. You would no doubt end up going back to the vet when whatever you buy does not work.

Seeing he is FIV positive, you are correct that it will take a bit longer. Maybe just a call to the vet to get more meds. He may need a longer regimen than a negative kitty. I know that has happened to me, and I was able to get more meds without an office call. My vet will do that if within a two or three week time frame from the original visit.

Does your vet take care credit? It is worth looking into. You can be approved the same day. Many of us here have it, myself included. It has enabled me to take better care of my gang knowing I will have time to pay it off.

You can research it at www.carecredit.com. If your vet participates, you can apply at the vets, on line or by phone.

Many for your kitty and you for taking such good care of him.

Keep us posted.

I would ask the vet to do a culture of the ear wax/discharge. It could be that you're dealing with a yeast infection or something that the antibiotic isn't addressing. One of my cats had a persistent ear infection and after determining it was a yeast infection, the vet put a goopy gel in her ear and I didn't have to do drops or pills or anything like that.