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Cat ear infection not improving after a week of treatment, what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years old | 10.2 lbs

My cat is being treated for a bacterial ear infection. Her ear solution was mixed by the vet and it contains TrizKeto/Baytril/Dexemethasone. The treatment will be 1 week tomorrow, but I haven’t seen any improvement in her ears. I won’t be in town this weekend, so I won’t be able to take her to the vet again. What can I do about this?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 21st, 2018

Although you aren’t seeing any improvement yet, continue giving the medication as previously prescribed. Sometimes it can take 2 weeks to get the infection under control. Keep in mind also that the infection may be getting better but there is still some exudate/debris in the ear. If, by the time you return from your trip, there is still no improvement, make an appointment for a recheck examination with your vet. Occasionally there are resistant infections that need special medication. Hopefully this will not be the case for Lulu. Also, if it makes you feel better, judging by the picture you provided Lulu’s ear looks pretty good! I hope the helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 15th, 2018

    I am sorry to hear about Lulu but glad she is being treated! An ear infection can occur when the normal ear environment is altered due to things like allergies, trauma, or excessive moisture in the ear (which can be due to bathing, swimming, or a conformational abnormality). If the ear infections become recurrent we do often suspect allergies and you can discuss this possibility with your veterinarian. Best of luck to you and Lulu!

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