My cat is 11 years old. I brought her to the vet yesterday because she has a huge blood filled pocket in her ear, I noticed it when right when I woke up. The vet said it was a hematoma and surgery was her only option. I am in full panic mode, since she really is an old lady. My fear is not the surgery, it's putting her under with ansethia. I have heard it's more dangerous with cats than dogs.
Can anyone tell me is this safe at her age? I also want to know, if anyone has heard of other options to fix this Hematoma. I am so upset and my heart is broken for her.
Please.....if anyone can advise me I would be forever gratful!
Sarrah
2007-01-14 09:12:23 · 4 answers · asked by sarahtx2005@verizon.net 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Sometimes they can be drained (by a vet) and treated without surgery...but to be honest, they usually fill up again. We have a 2x rule. We will drain it twice, after that the only option is surgery. I have had cases that do not fill up again after draining...but usually they do.
11 isn't all that old, we have quite a few 16-17 year old cats at our practice...don't worry :)
2007-01-14 09:51:21 · answer #1 · answered by Enij 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the whole ear is full then surgery should be done. You should get blood work done before you put her under for the surgery. Another option is to get the vet to drain it with a needle and syringe and then put some steroids in it. This can be done if the Hematoma is small.
2007-01-14 09:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by manetna2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunatly surgery is the only option. It is a painful condition for them. If not corrected surgically not only are they in pain, but the ear will end up a disfigured mess (cauliflower ear)-this will be painful for them to. Anesthesia is risky in an older cat but address your concerns with the vet. (Ask about maintaining her on fluids during the surgery ect...). Your vet should have also told you with surgery there there is the slight chance of a hemeatoma reoccuring, but you should definatly try and have this painful situation corrected.
Please, please please do not try to correct it yourself. I have seen people try to pop them with sewing needles, it is very painful and leads to infection. Plus it comes back.
2007-01-14 09:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by ALM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is the only successful treatment-ie-so it wont happen again... if she is in good health the anesthesia should not be a problem. if you are still concerned you can ask your vet to do blood work first. it IS important to tke care of hematomas. untreated the ear can develop scar tissue.
2007-01-14 09:22:29 · answer #4 · answered by mikey f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋