My senior cat's ear hematoma won't heal. Can her ear be removed?

Question

Female tabby, 17 yrs old, hyperthyroidism being treated with topical meds. Aural hematoma on right ear, large, being treated with steroids and pain meds. Questions: the hematoma is a constant issue because she won't stop scratching the area, causing a cut, then head shaking because of pain. The head shaking also causes the cut to get bigger, to the point where scar tissue is being pushed out. Surgery is too expensive and doesn't guarantee a cure. BUT, can the ear be removed to solve the problem? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 17 years and 4 months old | 7.68 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear that Baby Kitty's ear has been such a problem for her! Surgery is generally the treatment of choice for aural hematomas, but these issues can also develop scar tissue over a period of at least 6-8 weeks. If Baby Kitty has an ongoing ear infection, this could also exacerbate any head shaking, preventing scar tissue from forming appropriately. No surgery ever offers a definitive guarantee, but it seems that surgically addressing the hematoma would be less invasive, less painful and likely less expensive than removing the entire pinna (ear flap). The only pinna amputations that I have seen have been due to cancerous masses on the ear because the surgery can be very painful and cause a significant amount of bleeding. Consider discussing this with your vet and have her ears checked to assure that an infection is not present and causing irritation. I'm glad to see that she has an e-collar on - keep it up! Avoid using the transdermal medication on her right ear for the time being and be sure to clean her left ear prior to each application. I hope that all goes well!

My senior cat's ear hematoma won't heal. Can her ear be removed?

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