Cats have yeast infection in ears

[Carol 1]

We have 2 cats who have been diagnosed with yeast infections in their ears.  The problem is getting the medicine into one of the cats' ears is IMPOSSIBLE.  The cat becomes psycho cat with the strength of the Incredible Hulk.  Our Vet's instructions were...just place five drops of this gel in each ear and the massage gently.....UH HUH ...and then rush one of us to the hospital for lacerations on every inch of our skin!

Is there ANYTHING we can do to get medicine into his cat?  If we put pills in his food he smells and won't eat.  We even spent $30 to get one medicine made-up in "FISH FLAVOR"....no luck!

HELP

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Hello!  

You have a very difficult problem.  

Unfortunately, all the current anti-yeast medications for cats are oral, topical (as in ear drops) or, injectable (IV, or intravenous, which must be done by your veterinarian.)    

Yeast otitis, or, yeast infection in the ears, is usually secondary to another problem such as parasites in the ears (ear mites), or, hypersensitivities (allergies to food, contact allergies, or environmental allergies).  If your cat's primary problem is ear mites your veterinarian can place a medication called Milbemite in the ears during an office visit.  One dose of Milbemite is all that is necessary usually.  If your cat has contact or environmental allergies, than treating with an injectable steroid may be the answer. If your cat has food allergies than feeding a hypoallergenic diet may help.  

An injectable anti-inflammatory medication may also help.  Your cat’s ears may be painful and inflamed due to the infection.  Once the inflammation has subsided it may be easier to medicate his ears.

If all of the above fail then, you may have to make arrangements with your veterinarian to have them medicate your cat’s ears.  

If you have any additional questions or comments please ask!  Thanks for your question.

[peekawho]

Do you know how to wrap your cat for these treatments?  If not, have your vet show you how to do this with a towel.  Basically, it involves wrapping them up completely in a towel or thick blanket so that only their head sticks out.  Then you can treat their ears or give them a pill without danger to yourself.   But getting them wrapped up can be just as challenging!

You can also try at a time when they are fed and sleepy.  Hold them in your lap, pet them until they are in purring bliss and then try to dab the medicine in their ears as gently as you can.  

I sympathize, I used to have cats years ago, and have the battle scars to prove it.