Ball under the skin of a cat

Hematoma


Hematoma on the inner surface of the ear
A hematoma is a cavity filled with blood. The auricle is devoid of fatty tissue and poor in muscle, so the contents of damaged vessels lead to the formation of a cavity between the cartilage and the skin.

There are combat hematomas, which pets get during fights, and pathological ones, caused by a blood clotting disorder. Predisposing factors are old age and accompanying chronic illnesses. Another reason is systemic hematopoietic diseases. In this case, hematomas occur as a result of scratching due to itching due to flea bites, diabetes, and allergic reactions. Fragile vessels are destroyed when scratched, and blood flows under the skin.

The skin at the site of the formed lump is first red and hot, then darkens and cools. If the pathological cavity is small and does not cause inconvenience, it slowly resolves. When the swollen ear droops, the head tilts towards the damaged shell. The animal tries to scratch the bump and shakes its head.

The diagnosis is made by clinical examination. If there is a suspicion of the secondary nature of the pathological condition, a biochemical blood test is performed. If an underlying disease is detected, it is treated. Conservative treatment of the hematoma itself is ineffective. Surgical treatment consists of opening the cavity, removing the contents and sanitizing with antiseptic solutions.


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The operation is performed under general anesthesia. To prevent the formation of rough scars, a method with a hemostatic sponge is used. While the wound is healing, an Elizabethan collar is put on the pet.

Tumor in a cat’s ear – symptoms and treatment – ​​Website about pets

A tumor in a cat's ear can have two origins: malignant and benign.

As for the latter, these types of tumors most often occur in pets who are over 7 years old, while malignant ones most often occur in pets in their twilight years, over 10.

The tumors themselves can have different properties, shapes and naturally sizes. In order to make a correct and accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to contact a specialist.

Types of benign tumors in the animal's ear

· In the eustachian tube or middle ear, inflamed polyps can be diagnosed, which can sometimes even affect the external ear canal if they increase in size.

Ceruminoma is a tumor of the gland that produces earwax . It is located in the posterior third of the ear canal.

  • · Osteoma is a tumor of bone tissue that can also be located in the ear cavity.
  • · Ear atheroma – sebaceous gland cyst.
  • Even though a tumor in a cat's ear may be benign, it can still cause a huge amount of inconvenience to the pet, and even moreover, it can pose a health threat.

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Symptoms of a benign tumor

  • · Painful sensations in the ear area.
  • · A circular bulge on the pinna of the ear or inside the ear.
  • · Discharge from the ear cavity.
  • · The pet begins to behave restlessly, constantly shakes its head, scratches its ears with its paws, and experiences discomfort while eating.

Types of malignant tumors in the animal's ear

· Adenocarcinoma of the sulfur glands, develops in the external auditory canal.

· Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin of the ear . The development of this disease often occurs due to frequent and prolonged contact with ultraviolet rays. Cats with white ears are considered the most vulnerable.

Symptoms of a malignant tumor

  • · The presence of red sores covered with scabs on the tips of the ears.
  • · Hair loss around and directly from the ear.
  • · Ulcers on the ears that gradually enlarge and bleed.
  • · Unpleasant-smelling discharge from the ear.

Treatment

When the tumor in the ear is simply an overgrown polyp, the specialist in this case takes measures to remove it directly through the pet’s ear or mouth. Next, a course of painkillers, corticosteroids and antibiotics is prescribed.

All other types of benign tumors should also be removed only by surgery. It is worth mentioning that for successful treatment of a cancerous tumor, partial or even complete removal of the auricle is sometimes required.

In the most difficult cases, removal of the ear canal is required.

In cases where the tumor has begun to metastasize, a course of chemotherapy may be relevant.

Ear diseases in cats

Ear diseases are common in cats - the pinnae (ears themselves), external auditory canal, middle ear and/or inner ear may be affected. The most common diseases affect the outer ear (external auditory canal and/or pinna).

:Wounds and injuries: Wounds affecting the ears are most often injuries from teeth and claws as a result of fights. A bite or wound can result in a complete rupture of the outer ear, and usually such a wound should be allowed to heal on its own, without stitches. Sometimes, especially in the case of bites, an infection may develop and an abscess may form.

. A hematoma is a large, blood-filled swelling caused by the rupture of small blood vessels, resulting in an otohematoma. This pathology is more often observed in dogs, but is also recorded in cats.

A hematoma usually results from trauma to the ear—often caused by the cat itself scratching or scratching the ear. Swelling and swelling usually develop quickly and the condition can be quite painful. Surgical treatment is often indicated.

Otohematoma often leaves a small fibrosis or scar, which can cause deformation of the ear.

. inflammation of the tips of the ears caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) from sunlight. Typically found in animals with light ears and in areas with high levels of ultraviolet radiation.

The first stage is characterized by pink and flaky skin, a crust gradually appears, and the affected area bleeds. If left untreated, this condition can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (a malignant skin tumor). The most preferred treatment is removal of the tips of the ears.

The procedure has no adverse effects on the cat and is aesthetically acceptable.

Scabies mite or notoedrosis

. is caused by an infestation of Nothoedres mites in the skin and, in some cases, can cause intense irritation and itching. The ears are often the main site of irritation. The diagnosis can be made by detecting mites in scrapings taken from the skin. Ticks are easily treatable and, if found, your veterinarian will prescribe appropriate treatment.

The term otitis externa can refer to any inflammatory disease that affects the ear canal (sometimes the pinna). The range of reasons causing this problem is quite wide.

Parasitic otitis media, Otodectes cynotis

: A very common cause of otitis externs in cats, especially young ones. The infection is caused by ear mites (Otodectes cynotis). The pathology is contagious, the parasite can be transmitted through animal contact.

The tick itself is identified as a dirty white speck that is actively moving. Mites usually live in or around the external ear canal and can survive in the environment for 2-3 weeks.

In most cases, mites cause a severe allergic reaction accompanied by intense itching, although some animals may not have significant clinical manifestations.

The skin lining the ear canal may become thickened, causing the cat to scratch its ears and shake its head. There may also typically be a dark or black waxy discharge from the ear. Sometimes a secondary bacterial infection develops.

Diagnosis and treatment are quite simple and may not even involve the use of ear drops.

Some topical insecticides (eg, selamectin) are sufficient to control ear mites, and direct use of ear drops inside the ear canal may not be necessary.

Sometimes the ear needs to be thoroughly cleaned. It is best to entrust this procedure to a veterinarian, and, if necessary, use sedation. anesthesia.

Bacterial infection

. Bacterial (purulent) otitis in a cat usually occurs in conjunction with some other ear problem - ear mites, injury, etc.

However, sometimes infection can occur without an obvious predisposing factor (especially in kittens).

Pus can usually be visually detected in the ear canal, there may be an unpleasant odor from the ears, and the cat will experience discomfort.

. Although this situation is more common in dogs, the occasional foreign body (such as a grass seed or blade of grass) can become lodged in the external ear canal. This often causes sudden pain, ear scratching, head tilting, etc. In this case, anesthesia is often necessary to safely remove the foreign body.

Tumors of the ear canal

. In older cats, tumors may develop in the skin lining the ear canal. These lesions can be benign, but in many cases these lesions are malignant (most often ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma).

Due to anatomical features, diseases that affect the middle ear (otitis media) often affect the inner ear (otitis interna), leading to an imbalance in the sense of balance. Affected cats may constantly tilt their head, have some difficulty walking, or may walk in circles (usually in the direction of the infected ear).

Middle ear infection

More typical for young animals (kittens), it is less common in adult cats. Most often, the pathology is caused by the spread of infection into the Eustachian tube (a narrow tube connecting the nasal cavity to the middle ear), sometimes against the background of respiratory tract infections. Suppurative external otitis often spreads to the inner ear.

. Polyps can develop in both the middle ear and the auditory tube of cats. These are benign inflammatory masses, the underlying cause of which is still unknown. If localized in the middle ear, the polyp can rupture the eardrum and penetrate the external auditory canal. Maine Coons are considered the most predisposed cat breed to this disease.

- very rarely, the middle ear can be affected by benign or malignant tumors. Usually, X-ray or computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging is indicated to examine the middle ear.

A complete examination of the external auditory canal will need to be done under sedation (with rare exceptions). If necessary, cytology or histology of samples from the middle ear is performed to adjust treatment.

Sometimes surgery is required, most commonly called a bulla osteotomy, where part of the bony wall of the middle ear is removed so that the mass (such as a polyp) can be completely removed.

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Ear diseases in cats (otitis externa and media) - symptoms, causes and first aid

The ear is a very important organ of a cat. And therefore, special attention must be paid to the ears of cats so that cat ear diseases do not develop. Even minor injuries can cause swelling, inflammation that can lead to partial or complete hearing loss, and serious complications such as meningitis.

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Hematoma of the auricle

In this case, blood accumulates under the skin of the ear.

Symptoms

Typically, cats often shake their ears and scratch them with their paws. As a result, the ear becomes swollen, warm to the touch, and a little hard. A painful and clearly defined swelling appears on the inner surface of the ear, and sometimes on the outer surface. If it is not noticed in time, the hematoma often becomes overgrown with connective tissue. Gradually it hardens, and this leads to its curvature.

A hematoma may appear when scratching bites or bruises and injuries in the ear area.

Giving help

Having discovered a hematoma in a cat, it is necessary to apply a cold compress to this area and secure it tightly with a tight bandage. It must be changed 2 times a day over the next week. The hematoma usually resolves quickly. If it partially remains, then UHF therapy should be applied in a hospital.

In severe, advanced cases, the hematoma should be punctured and the contents squeezed out. Then inject a 0.5% solution of novocaine with an antibiotic and hydrocortisone into the cleaned area. After this, apply a tight bandage for 4 days. During this period, Vicasol is administered intramuscularly.

If after all these procedures your pet is not recovering, you need to contact your veterinarian vetklinika-v-moskve.ru for surgery.

Inflammation of the outer ear (otitis externa)

This is the name for inflammation of the skin of the auricle and external auditory canal. The disease is divided into two types: acute and chronic .

Abscess

The cause of suppuration is dirt brought in by an opponent during a fight due to weakened immunity. Most often, the lump forms behind the ear or directly under it, where the soft tissue is located.

In most cases, the abscess breaks out on its own, the pus flows out and a scar forms. The wound can be treated with an antiseptic wound-healing spray, but not with iodine tincture or brilliant green solution, which burn. If the cat is lethargic, refuses to eat, the abscess does not break out, or increases in size, seek veterinary help.

Tumors


Presumably polyp.
Cats develop benign and malignant tumors. Under certain circumstances, a harmless growth degenerates into an oncological tumor.

Most often, this development of events occurs when the cat owner decides to fix the problem on his own. Therefore, if you find a lump on or near the ear, you should seek veterinary help. Polyps occur in the ears of young or mature animals.

Even when the tumor does not hurt, it must be removed, as conditions arise for otitis media - inflammation of the ear. The enlarged formation blocks the ear canal and can lead to deafness. In any case, a sample is taken for histological examination. If the oncological nature of the disease is confirmed, radiotherapy or chemotherapy methods are used.


Mastocytoma

Malignant tumors - mastocytomas form in older pets. At the initial stage, the lump looks harmless. However, as the tumor matures, cells in its center die. Necrotic tissue falls off and ulcers form.

Treatment is surgical - in addition to the tumor itself, up to 3 cm of surrounding tissue is removed, up to the amputation of the shell. A course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy is carried out, followed by rehabilitation and lifelong dietary nutrition.


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Lipoma and atheroma

The area of ​​skin around the ear contains a huge number of sebaceous glands. For this reason, lipomas and atheromas often form behind the ear. Lipomas that form behind the ear grow slowly and are often not cancerous. They are a soft-elastic formation with a smooth surface, surrounded by a capsule. Lipoma has the appearance of a wen.

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Atheroma is a cavity formation filled with sebum. Formed due to blockage of the sebaceous glands. Atheromas occur for the following reasons:

  • Disorders of fat or carbohydrate metabolism;
  • Genetic predisposition to increased oily skin;
  • Hormonal imbalances and diseases of the endocrine system;
  • Hyperhidrosis is a disease associated with excessive sweating;
  • Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.

Atheroma is a rounded formation protruding above the surface of the skin, which can reach up to 4.5 cm in diameter. When the tumor becomes infected or inflammatory reactions occur, the following symptoms occur:

  • Pain behind the ear;
  • Redness of the skin;
  • Burning and itching;
  • Fluctuation is a symptom that indicates the presence of fluid in a cavity formation.

When pressure is applied to the walls of the atheroma or they are damaged, the viscous mass contained inside comes out to the surface of the skin. It has a white color and an unpleasant odor. When atheroma suppurates, the contents have a green-yellow tint. Lipomas and atheromas behind the ear are removed surgically. Modern treatment methods are used - laser or radio wave removal.

  • Paralysis of the oculomotor nerves;
  • Trigeminal pain;
  • Loss of all types of sensitivity and corneal reflex on the corresponding half of the faces;
  • Decreased or lost taste sensitivity in the posterior third of the tongue;
  • Paresis of the fold on the side of the tumor.

Ear diseases in cats are manifested primarily by changes in behavior. You should watch your pet and if this happens constantly, then something is wrong with the animal:

  • constantly tilts his head to the side;
  • shakes his head;
  • twitches his ears sharply, as if they were splashed with water;
  • often and suddenly rubs the ear with a paw;
  • presses his head against upholstered furniture, against the carpet;
  • does not allow ears to be touched, runs away when the head is stroked;
  • scratches the ears often and strongly, resulting in bruising;
  • loses orientation in space, when walking the cat is constantly pulled to the side.

If this behavior is noticed in your pet, you should carefully examine the inside of the ears. There may be redness and ulcers in the ears, light or dark discharge, dirt in the form of dark crumbs, bloating and swelling. The diseased ear may smell unpleasant, and when you lightly press on its base, a sound similar to squelching can be heard.

Changes can occur in one or two ears at once.

If you notice that your cat’s ear itches or hurts, and she is worried, and any discharge or changes inside the auricle are detected, then the question arises - what to do and how to treat. There are many ointments, drops and lotions, but they cannot be used without clarifying the diagnosis. If they can cure one disease, then in another case they can cause harm and waste time.

If your cat has ear pain, you should find out how to treat it at home from a qualified specialist after conducting a series of examinations.

Ixodid tick


Ixodid tick
Sometimes an ixodid tick that has burrowed into an ear or another part of the body and sucked blood is mistaken for a lump.

Ticks are brought home by cats traveling through areas rich in bushes. Arthropods most often attack in early spring.

Ticks can carry the following infectious diseases:

  1. Borreliosis or Weill's disease - bacteria lead to refusal to eat, dermatitis, and heart problems. Lymph nodes enlarge. After 2 months, lameness develops.
  2. Hemobartonellosis: rickettsia, which are activated under the influence of stress and consumption of large amounts of raw river fish. Anemia develops - urine becomes thin, mucous membranes become pale.

If the arthropod is torn off, severe inflammation will develop. Therefore, a responsible owner of a roaming cat purchases a tick remover and carefully removes the parasite. You should work carefully: if you crush a tick, its contents will fall on your hands. Parasites transmit infectious diseases of cats, dogs and humans.


Unscrewing the pliers

Reliable protection - Spot-on drops that protect against ticks, fleas and worms. The parasite should be placed in a bottle and taken to the laboratory. If pathogens are detected, early treatment will avoid consequences.

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