Yes just lancing the hematoma will just cause it to fill up again because of the serum that accumulates. That is why surgery, taking a flap out and allowing it to continuously drain is the first choice. ....and yes it can be expensive. You know, if you have a veterinary school in your area sometimes they will perform surgery for free. You could check that out.
I can agree on your dilemma with the way things are now. Good that the vet will get back to you on what to do first until the Hematoma clears up----and I sure hope it does that on it's own.
Keep us posted, and thanks for your response .
CML
Thanks, the vet gave me the options to lance but told me it usually fills back up, and also told me about the surgery and I couldn't afford it. She said it was fine to leave it alone but it will take about a month to go away, and he would have a deformed ear. I have a follow up appointment in a couple weeks to check everything out. I plan on calling the vet today to ask about my dilemma, thanks for your advice!
it important to keep up with the drops and get rid of the yeast, try massaging the outside of the ear after you put the drops in....the ear is feeling wet and irritated thats why he is shaking his head. the hematoma may not improve until after you are done the course of ear drops, than I hope it will slowly go down.:(
good luck..
Hi Stef,
Probably the hematoma came from your cat excessively shaking it's head or scratching at his ear because of an ear infection..
So both must be treated. I am surprised that the vet did not drain the hematoma by surgery and suturing. This would be the norm.
I know your cat needs those drops to clear up the infection or he will continue to shake the head and scratch, Now the hematoma--well drops in the ear will obviously make the cat shake it's head sooooo, I would call your vet and tell him your dilemma (not the nurse o r vet assistant). I think he may need to take care of that hematoma first. Also make sure they have shown you where the ear canal is or you will be putting the drops in the outer ear and it will not get to the infection.
If your cat gets these ear infections they are probably fungal and can be cause by food allergies. After his ears heal try a LID diet for a while and see if the infections stop--that is if he gets them a lot.
Also never drop any liquid in the ear for cleaning. This can cause the fungal infection because of left over moisture. Better to just use a cotton pad and whip the ear as well as you can once a week.
MOO__get your vet to lance that hematoma and allow it to drain.
Keep us posted, if you would, K?
CML