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Cleaning ears

post #1 of 8
4/18/06 at 9:50am
Thread Starter 
Ophie & I just got back from the vet. She doesn't have ear mites or an ear infection. She just has gunk in her ear. Only one ear, though. I guess it just hasn't spread yet. How can I safely clean her ear? The vet told me I can use a Q-Tip, I just had to be careful not to get too far in. I just don't see Ophie holding still long enough for that. The vet also told me I could use peroxide, just don't drip down in her ear. He told me that I had to be careful so I didn't ruin her hearing(it was his way of making a joke).

Any ideas on how to clean her ears? The gunk isn't way down in there.
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post #2 of 8
4/18/06 at 10:27am
The easiest might be ear wipes - that way you won't drip anything, or get in too far. Most pet stores carry them.
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post #3 of 8
4/18/06 at 10:35am
I agree with JCat, I get my ear wipes for Jackson from WalMart, He puts up a bit of a fight, but after words he loves mommy to pieces because he has clean ears when it's all said and done. good luck!

J&J

Keep us posted
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post #4 of 8
4/18/06 at 10:51am
Thread Starter 
Oops! I thought I posted this in Care & Grooming!

I never even thought about ear wipes. I even have some! I have the Joh Paul Pet Ear & Eye Wipes. I've also used Petkin wipes. I might order more while I am ordering things today. Great ideas guys! Thanks!
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post #5 of 8
4/18/06 at 10:58am
In our grooming shop we use only 100% cotton balls- not the synthetic as they are abrasive.

I use only OtiCleanse Ear Flush or Novalsan. Peroxide is fine for infrequent use, but if you are going to be cleaning daily for a while I certainly wouldn't recommend it- peroxide is very harsh on tender skin. I realize that this is contrary to your veterinarians opinion, but I have seen too often repeated peroxide use really inflame ears to the point of debriding them.

Alcohol shouldn't be used on cats as it causes swelling that in turn irritates a nerve running parallel to the ear canal.

IF I had no ear preparation handy I would use a 1:1 mix of witch hazel and white vinegar. The witch hazel is soothing as well as cleansing and the vinegar provides a pH that discourages the growth of undesirable bacteria.

I wet a cotton ball with my ear cleanser, dribble a bit into the ear canal and immediately hold the ear closed so the cat cannot shake its head, and massage the ear. After a moment or two of massage I allow the cat to shake its head, then wipe out the goo and any remaining liquid. Repeat as needed.

The head shaking provides enough centrifugal effect so that no liquid remains in the ear.
Do not ever clean further in than you can see.
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post #6 of 8
4/18/06 at 11:07am
My vet suggested cotton balls
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post #7 of 8
4/18/06 at 11:08am
I use PETKIN Kitty Ear Wipes I have only used them once and they seemed to work, anyone else have an opinion about them. The ingredients are pure witch hazel, aloe vera gel, chlorhexidine gluconate, botanical extracts.
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post #8 of 8
4/18/06 at 11:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by princeegrl
I use PETKIN Kitty Ear Wipes I have only used them once and they seemed to work, anyone else have an opinion about them. The ingredients are pure witch hazel, aloe vera gel, chlorhexidine gluconate, botanical extracts.
I use the same. I thyink they're great! Jackson hyas dirty ears in general, I find Iam cleaning them quickly every 2nd day (or should be) I think they work very well, they get the job done, and I have not noticed and irretance at all!!!!
J&J
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