Help with a cat with an abscess on his ear!

Question

Eight years old, never been hurt or sick before, came in with a lump on his ear and an obvious puncture wound, probably from a bite- not sure if it was from something he hunted, or if it was from a fight.

We waited just over a day and it burst, of course, and we've been cleaning it using boiled (cool) water and salt, plus hebby scrub (sp?) which was given to me by someone I work with.

The swelling has gone down a lot- not totally- and he's not running a fever, or seeming in pain, or distressed.

Is a vet still needed?

Of course, if an infection occurs/the swelling gets worse, we'll take him anyway, but in its current state, does he still need a vet?

Answer 1

Probably not.

Answer 2

Well, he might get better on his own.  But if it was you, wouldn't you like to receive medical attention and avoid possible infection?  You really cannot be sure of the extent of his injuries.

Consider keeping your cat home.  An inside cat is safer and healthier and a much better companion.  Don't forget to have him neutered too!

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Abbesses on ears are tricky and sometimes need to be drained and stitched to keep the ear whole. I'm not sure why you are using salt to clean the wound, an antibiotic cream like Panalog would be better or even Tea Tree oil or just diluted peroxide. Keep a close eye on it you don't want him to lose part of his ear.

Answer 4

My cat - 8yrs old is an indoor outdoor cat and June 3, he got bite behind his ear,  from what the vet said was a big animal.  We have lots of raccoons around here but he never got this sick from a bite of any kind.  Long story but we are still fighting to get his infection under control.  They have opened up the absess 2 times and today I thought he would get a great report from the vet but she said the inside of his ear is now infected and told me I am not giving him his medicine or this would not have gone on this long.  I just about cried and told her I am following instructions and just when it seems to be ok it starts all over again.   I have heard that if he got bite by a raccoon that it can take months to get the infection out.  Well, it has been 2 months now and $400.00 and he still isn't rid of the infection in his system. And he is on his 3rd bottle of Cindacure !

So........... watch for signs from your cat and be careful.

Good luck !!!!

Answer 5

I am no expert, but i would agree that the is probably okay unless it gets worse.

If it starts getting worse though it could get bad very rapidly so take him in asap.

also my dogs ear had something similar, though with out a puncture wound. Her ear was huge and the vet had to drain the fluid out. It left her ear permanently hard and wrinkly.

Answer 6

Sounds like a tough cat! Should be just fine, no worries.

Answer 7

No vet needed at this juncture.

You did just perfect.

Make sure it heals from the inside out not the other way around and it will be fine.

The salt water is great!

good luck