Bump on ear...what could cause it?

[PureMuttz]

As Jethro sits next to me, cuddling, I went to rub his ears like I occasionally
do, and realize his right ear looks like there's a bump under the skin.

I feel and there is, indeed, a bump there about the size of... (I have to think
of something similar in size and then I'll edit this part)

It doesn't seem to bother him, and he continues purring even when I feel around
the ear. So I am guessing it doesn't cause pain/discomfort, but I also know that
sometimes they'll never tell you even if it does. No puncture wounds or
scratches visible in the area, either.

So, I'm just wondering what possibilities could be behind this and if it's
something of concern or just a quirk to keep an eye on.

A friend of mine thinks it's an aural hematoma. Just looking to get more
opinions on it.

Here are pictures:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/PureMuttz/JethroEar3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/PureMuttz/JethroEar1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/PureMuttz/JethroEar2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/PureMuttz/JethroEar4.jpg

A vet will be consulted soon, if needed. Until then (since it's the weekend), I
will just keep an eye on it.

[**Sapphire**]

Hmmm, maybe a little deformity of his ear?? :dunno:

I'm not too sure about that hun.

Talk to the vet as you said you were going to just in case. I doesn't look red/swollen or anything so I have to wonder if it's not much of anything bad.

Did he have that before when you first brought him in? Or did you just notice it now?

Keep us updated on what the vet says hun. :)

[PureMuttz]

It's new, and definitely wasn't there before. It's hard to see in the pictures, but there is definitely a swelling or something on his ear. Many people have told me it's likely to be a small hematoma (basically a blood blister).

Here's another picture to hopefully show what I am seeing. It's so easy for me to see, but it's hard to get to show clearly in picture because of his furry ears. LOL:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/PureMuttz/JethroEar5.jpg

[**Sapphire**]

Ok hun, here is what I found about ear hematoma's.

Have you taken Jethro to the vet yet hun?

Ear hematomas are one of the more common ear problems seen by veterinarians. These hematomas are very painful and if not treated correctly can result with a permanent deformation of the ear. There is usually an underlying medical condition that causes an animal to traumatize his ear resulting in a hematoma. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying problem is necessary to prevent reoccurrence.

What is an ear hematoma?

Ear hematomas, medically known as 'aural hematomas' or 'auricular hematomas,' are a collection of blood and fluid between the skin and cartilage of the ear. A blood vessel in the ear ruptures and the loose space under the skin will fill up with blood. The pressure from the ruptured vessel will often cause the entire surface of the ear to swell creating a very painful condition. These hematomas will occur very quickly, often within minutes of the vessel being ruptured. Affected animals will have a noticeably swollen, fluid-filled ear that is extremely painful to the touch. If left untreated, the pain will subside somewhat after several days, but the swelling will continue and eventually, as the fluid-filled space generates scar tissue, the ear may become permanently disfigured.

What is the treatment?

There are several different treatment options for ear hematomas. The treatment will depend on how quickly the hematoma is identified and treated (the sooner the better), the size of the hematoma, and the personal preferences of the attending veterinarian.

The most widely used treatment consists of a surgical procedure that involves incising the skin on the underside of the ear, draining the blood, and then suturing (stitching) through the ear with multiple sutures. The ear may or may not be bandaged and then the underlying infections, mites, or allergies are diagnosed and treated. The benefit of this procedure is that there is a good chance that the ear will look normal when healed and a low chance of the hematoma reoccurring.

Another treatment option includes surgically opening and draining the ear and then not placing stitches but taping the ear up over a rolled bandage and allowing the ear to heal. This procedure may be more favorable in show cats where it is very important that the ear not be disfigured. This procedure requires more intensive aftercare.

In cases where the hematoma is very small or old, some veterinarians will remove the fluid with a syringe and if there is no clot present, will allow the ear to heal without surgery. Some veterinarians will also surgically place a cannula or drain to allow blood and fluid to be released and will avoid the surgery and suture placement.

Prevention

Prevention primarily consists of preventing any trauma to your cat's ear. Self-trauma from scratching or head shaking is still the most common cause of ear hematomas. Prompt treatment of all infections and ear mites as well as the proper diagnosis and treatment of allergies, is the best way to prevent hematomas. At the first sign of your cat shaking her head or scratching at her ears be sure to have her examined by a veterinarian so the problem can be diagnosed and treated properly.

[Erikkaas]

Why don't go to the vet's?

[**Sapphire**]

Why don't go to the vet's?


I believe this member was going to take her cat to the vet.

BTW...did you take Jethro to the vet hun? How is he doing now?

[PureMuttz]

Thank you Sapphire.

Of course I took my cat to the vet! They didn't have an opening until Friday, so I figured I would make a post to get ideas of what I'm dealing with, while I waited.

It was an aural hematoma, like I expected it to be. It was drained and treated with antibiotics
(Just like the information you posted: "In cases where the hematoma is very small or old, some veterinarians will remove the fluid with a syringe and if there is no clot present, will allow the ear to heal without surgery.", since it was quite small, and I didn't wait for it to get larger *Not sure why anyone would!*).

He also had ear mites that got treated, as well (I thought I got rid of those already, but obviously not!)

The vet believes that Jethro is actually 8 - 10 years old, and not 'about 5 years old' like the first vet who saw him back in January thought. It was surprising to hear! Hard to think that my baby boy could actually be entering his senior years.

He is a little underweight (in my opinion. The vet didn't comment on it). He weighed in at 7.6 lbs which I find to be below the average weight of 8 - 10 lbs. I'd like him to be 9 lbs, so I've increased his food portions.

Anyways, he's home, happy & healthy. His ear is a little sore from being drained but you can already tell he's feeling more comfortable. First day or two, he hid under the couch because he was quite unhappy with me for taking him to the vet, but now he's back, lounging on the couch next to me, just like it should be. :)

Just a cute picture to show how exhausted vet visits make Jethro!:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/PureMuttz/JethroSleep-1.jpg

[**Sapphire**]

Aww Jethro looks so cute laying there sleeping. :)

I'm glad that it was nothing bad hun & he is on the mend.

Did you treat your other cat's ears for ear mites too hun? I know they are contagious. When we brought our Lady in, she had ear mites & we had to treat all 3 of our cats, boy was that alot of fun. :scared1:

[PureMuttz]

I have Tresaderm at home, but I don't think Martha has ear mites.

Her ears are spotlessly clean and she has shown no irritation.

Better safe than sorry, though. :P

[**Sapphire**]

Good as long as Martha is clean then you can concentrate on Jethro more. :)

Those ear mites are a pain to get rid of sometimes. :nono: