Recurring Ear Infections

[Julie and Eleanor (GA)]

Eleanor keeps getting bacterial ear infections.
I'm doing my best to keep her ears clean per the vet's orders.

The infections wreak havoc on her bg.

I cannot afford to take her to the vet for meds every few weeks. The vet said if it happens again he doesn't want to treat her unless I have full blood work and a urinalysis because he needs to find out what's wrong that her immune system can't fight these ear infections. I do not have money for theses tests.

Eleanor has a chronic upper respiratory thing, has had it all her life from being very ill as a feral kitten. She was healthy otherwise, as far as infections went until she was diagnosed with diabetes.

I'm just wondering if anyone here who has dealt with recurrent ear infection in their diabetic cat might have any suggestions or advice for me??

 

[BJM]

What are you using to clean the ears?

There are a number of non-prescription cleansers available. One with acetic acid (vinegar in disguise) or peroxide may be helpful if you haven't been using anything besides water or dry wiping.

Tip: saturate a cotton ball with cleanser, place in ear, then massage ear with cotton ball in it. This helps distribute the cleanser to loosen up the goo. Remove ball, the use a fresh one or some gauze to wipe out more.

 

[Julie and Eleanor (GA)]

Thank you for replying. I tried Epi-Otic Eleanor hated the smell. I tried OtiClear, which Eleanor didn't like. Tried Zymox and she went nuts. I'm currently using Fosters and Smith Ear Cleaner, pretty much same ingredients as te Epi-Otic and OtiClear, Malic Acid, Salicyclic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Propylene Glycol and water.
I drop it in and wipe out the excess with a cotton ball and let her shake the rest out.
Good idea about the cotton ball. Will try that!

 

[BJM]

If Eleanore will tolerate it, using a hair dryer to dry out the ears may make it more difficult for any infection to grow.

For the respiratory infection - are you adding any powdered lysine to her food? If it is chronic feline herpes, that may help suppress it.

 

[Boo Bear]

I've been using coconut oil for several days on my cat's ears. He has recurrent issues with his ears, too. I can say it has helped with his problem. I use organic, extra virgin coconut oil that I order online. I think most supermarkets would carry it too though. I simply heat it just a little in the microwave and then test it on my wrist to make sure it is warm but not hot. I use a glass dropper and place three to four drops in each ear once a day. I'll continue this till the end of January for a total of three weeks and then only use this method once a week to try to prevent problems for him. I believe it is working. By the second day, he stopped scratching and tilting his head. He seems happier. Plus, the oil is non-toxic, so it is healthier for him and not an issue when he cleans his own ears afterwards. Maybe the oil would help your kitty. I hope your cat gets better soon.