Ear polyps

[Medusa]

Hi All,
I tried to post yesterday but me thinks ye olde computer is having a hissy fit. Anyhow...

I recently rescued a feral cat w/an ear polyp. I named her Yoda because she always flattened her ears and I thought it was so cute until I realized why she was doing it. The vet removed as much of the polyp as possible but it has grown into Yoda's nasal passage and removal of it requires a complicated, expensive surgical procedure which must be done by a specialist. I was informed that it would cost upwards of $2000.

Yoda makes my 7th indoor rescue and I'm presently feeding and housing 8 outdoor cats. Not complaining, you understand. Just explaining my finances. The surgery is financially out of reach right now. My question is: Has anyone out there had experience w/ear polyps in cats? I give Yoda steroidal ear drops every day and it helps somewhat. She was also on Clavamox but her time on that has expired.

She is such a lovable li'l sweetie; hard to believe she's a feral cat. She breathes so loudly that I should've named her Darth because she sounds like Darth Vader. But all kidding aside, I want to be sure that she isn't suffering and that her quality of life is there. I hope I'm not doing her an injustice.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx and blessings,
Mary

[hootchlid]

Dont want to alarm you but you need to take her in,I had the same with polly when she was little(still is compared to her big butted bro Hank)and it turned out to be cancer,If you catch early enough they may be able to laser it off without taking part of the ear..Polly had laser but it grew back and had to take 1/4 of her little ear.She is happy and playful now,Take a pic of her now and compare after the dr visits.
Hootch

[Medusa]

Thank you so much for telling me that. I've been calling everywhere and I haven't been able to find a vet that is even qualified to do the surgery other than the one I mentioned in my earlier post. I've had bad experiences w/that place and so have others and I'm so reluctant to take Yoda there! But if I don't find someone soon, I'll take her there and keep my fingers crossed.

Thank you again for your reply. I'll definitely keep you posted on what's happening.

Blessings,
Mary

[catcrazylady]

Hi there! Sorry to hear about Yoda's problem. Thats so sad but it so wonderful that you rescued her!! How miserable she must have been. Poor baby!!
I really have no idea how you can find a vet specialist but I wanted to let you know about a wonderful website called Imom. The web address is www.imom.org and they may be able to help with financing. I really don't know how it works but everytime I have checked the website it seems like they are doing some wonderful things. It's just a thought and it won't hurt to check it out.
We will be praying for Yoda and for you. It's hard to care for a sick kitty that still needs help. Bless you for caring about her and loving her.
Please keep us posted!!

[CatDad]

I am so sorry to hear about poor Yoda. I wish I had some advice on how to take care of it.

You may want to put a post in General and ask for recommendations on vets in your area of Ohio. I know that there are a number of PTers who live there.

I hope that you can help her, and that it all turns out well.

Prayers to Yoda and you.