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242912 tn?1660619837

Amputation of the Ears

Hi all,

Jade will be having surgery tomorrow morning to get her ears amputated.  She has had black scabs on her ears since we became her parents over 3yrs ago.  Without a biopsy, our vet is 99% sure this is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (this is for you, ZQ :) and it is common for white cats to get it on their ear tips and nose.  Thankfully, Jades nose is black, but her ears are very pink on the back in some areas as well as down near her head and these areas are all affected.  

I have tried to combat this problem these last 3yrs by applying sunscreen everyday, but off and on, the scabs have fallen off on the tips and have taken a long time to heal.  The reason we decided to go ahead with the amputation is she now has an area that has not healed for 2mos and has eaten away her ear tip.  The scab continually falls off and bleeds and I've found her all bloody from scratching it more than once.  Vet says she is most likely in pain, as well.  We had a Lung Xray done last week to make sure the cancer has not metastasized (sp) and her lungs are clear, thank God!

After her surgery, she would stay at the vet for 2days, then home and in the house with the e-collar at all times another 2wks, but I am not physically well, so we are going to board her at the vet for a week, then keep her in the house the second week in a large cage so she will be forced to use a litter box she's never used with us before and won't scratch and cry at the door thinking we will give in.  I feel so guilty to leave her there when she could be home, but the stress of taking care of a sick animal for 2wks is just too much for me and I will need to be at my very best for the 1wk I Do take care of her.  Hopefully, she will be used to the e-collar by the time she comes home.  

I am fairly nervous about her surgery and I'm not only posting for support, but wondering if any of you reading this has experience with their cats ears being amputated?  I would be interested to know how your kitty fared after such a surgery.  I think, without her ears, her expressions will be gone.  You know, no ears back flat when she's annoyed or ears forward when she sees something.  That's okay though.  She is such a sweet girl and we adore her and don't care What she looks like.  We think she's going to look like a little seal...lol.  

I have her mousie and an unwashed t-shirt of my husbands to comfort her.  Will also bring her food and food bowl so at least there will be a couple of things that are "normal" for her.  We can also visit, of course, but we are going to miss her So Much!

Thank you, everyone, for caring about Jade.  This forum is the best and I've learned so much from all of you.  

I am so nervous about this!

27 Responses
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874521 tn?1424116797
looking at her photos the surgery was done sept. 09 so exactly 3 years ago, and I know she is a healthy thriving kitty today yet:)
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
incase you haven't been to Jade profile page here is the link so you can view photos of the kitty Jade....she's so pretty:)

http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/list/242912?personal_page_id=4018
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
so sorry to hear abt your kitty, I am replying b/c Jade is currently off d/t personal reasons.
Her kitties name is Jade...and I'm not sure how old she was when she had this done, but I do think she was less than 10, however I do know kitties come thru this very well, its a non invasive procedure and just requires some outer healing afterwards...doesn't little Jade look darling, I sure think she does..makes her face look so angelic, everyone has commented.
as long as your Vet and the blood work reveals that your kitty is well enough to go thru the surgery than I wouldn't hesitate at all, if she is otherwise healthy she still has some good years ahead at 15 :))
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Avatar universal
Hi Jade,
I am currently undergoing the process of deciding if I should have my cat's ear removed or put her to sleep.  It's the exact same thing your cat had the big black scabs that fall off and don't heal, now it's really bad.  I'm waiting for blood work results because she is 15 years old to make sure there is no other major issues.  My cat is primarily outside all summer then comes in during the winter months as she hates the cold.  My biggest concern is her recovery.  How old is Jade?  Please let me know how she is doing and if you would recommend this procedure.
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Thank you, Kayday.  I do appreciate this information and will take it into consideration.   Jade is an indoor/outdoor and completely outdoor usually come May.  Fortunately, she stays in the backyard and really doesn't "roam" although, my neighbor Has seen her farther away from our house than I ever would have guessed.  

I am going to have to think Hard about this as Jade has never been an entirely indoor cat.  

I'm glad to hear, too, that your DIL's kitty is doing fine otherwise.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
She (tito...my DIL cat) is not deaf.  She cannot recieve many of the sounds that she would be able to if her ear flaps were still connected.  She has to be an inside cat now, because she does have s hearing problem when it comes to the 'soft' noises that would usually alert a cat of danger and even of nummy prey.

She is doing well, and has no other problems.
Helpful - 0
203342 tn?1328737207
I'm glad to hear she's recovering so well from her surgery! Animals are pretty resilient and adapt better than us humans, I believe! She will be fine. I think it was a good idea to leave her where they can monitor her and give her meds, etc. I'm sure you will be happy when she can come home, though! God speed on a quick recovery! God bless you and little Jade. :)
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Okay, sorry.  I can't find the photo to upload.  I am off to the dentist and will try to figure this out later.
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Thank you all again for your support.  You guys are all the best!  I especially appreciate your support in leaving Jade at the vet.  We feel so bad for doing that, but to tell you the truth, she seems to be adjusting just fine.  As I've mentioned before, she is an easy going kitty.  This seems to be harder on me than on her lol.  

When we visit, we let her wander and she is starting to act right at home.  I think the vet team would like to keep her as their mascot :)  They can't have her though...no way, haha.

We took a picture and you can view it on my profile if you'd like.  Of course, what you see is 72hrs post op.  She will look better once her fur grows back.  




Helpful - 0
741515 tn?1262537139
Hi,

Read your post and I am so glad that your cat came through surgery very well.  I know from stress and fibro this can be a difficult time.

My joy and prayers of happiness for you and your little friend.

Please let me know how she is doing.

I did see a television program that white cats are susceptible to having this disease on their ears.  The outcome is usually very successful.

Take care.
Helpful - 0
611067 tn?1458591483
I'm glad to hear that Jade is doing so well!  

I'm sorry about your fibro - mine has been acting up too from stress.  I also agree you have made the right decision keeping her at the vet's office for now, especially since they are so good to her.  

Hugs,
Janet
Helpful - 0
587315 tn?1333552783
Hi hon, it sounds like Jade is doing great!!!!!!!!!!!  It's awesome that her appetite hasn't been affected.  Sure sounds like she's being a pig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOL  That's good-the more she eats, the quicker she'll heal.  

I'm sorry to hear that your fibro is acting up!!  =(  I know the stress hasn't helped ya one bit!  It sounds like you made a good decision letting her stay at the vets until she's healed.  You need to get well, too!!!  It sounds like she's getting a lot of attention!  Your vet team sounds great.  Makes things so much easier for us when we have confidence in our cat's care.  =D

Hugs
ZQ
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hey ZQ,  

Jade is still at the vet and will be until at least Sun.  We may even board her there the full 2wks simply because I am not up to caring for her.  All this stress has brought on a very painful episode with my Fibro so we are letting all the people who love her at the vet take care of her.  If I'm feeling better by Sun, we will bring her home, but if not, we will leave her until the stitches come out.  

I just called and Jade finally urinated.  Yay!  No b.m. though simply because she doesn't have a lot of food in her.  Her appetite is real good and has been since Mon evening.  By last night (Tues) she had only been eating for 24hrs so I'm sure the reason is her bowel doesn't have alot of food in it.  Nurse thinks she will probably have a b.m.by tonight, but also said some cats hold it until they go home.  Yikes, I hope she doesn't hold it 'til she gets home 'cause that could be another 9 days!  I'm not too worried about that.  She has to go sometime lol!!!

Nurse says the office is slow, 12-3pm, so like yesterday, will take off her e-collar and let her out of her cage to roam around under supervison.  They all just love her so she's getting some excercise as well as lots of attention.  Naturally, we will go visit tonight and every night until she comes home.  

She's most certainly not deaf and I don't believe that's what Kaydey was trying to say.  You and DH are saying the same thing.  She won't catch AS MANY sounds without her outer ear.  

Kaydey...I do thank you for bringing up the hearing issue as I didn't know about that.  What upset me though, was you telling me how You would have handled things differently.  I don't think that was necessary to say to me after the fact!  I think you could have kept that part to yourself.

  
Helpful - 0
587315 tn?1333552783
Hi Jade!!!!!!!  Jade's appetite might be a little off from the stress.  Give her a day or two and I bet she'll be fine.  You can always try some baby food (turkey, ham, chicken) or some human tuna.  That's what I do when my cats aren't eating as much as I like.  It usually works.  I bet she didn't eat much at all when she was at the vet.  That also bothers me a lot when I leave my cats there.  =(  She'll come around soon!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW, I honestly don't think that Jade will be deaf.  I do think that her hearing won't be as sharp as it was, since the outer ear acts as a funnel to catch sound waves.  Without the outer ear, she won't catch as many sounds.  She'll still hear ya though!!!!!!!!!!  =)  

Please keep us posted!!!!!!!!  =D  We care about ya!!!!!!!
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Kaydey...well, it's over and done with now.  Hopefully, we didn't make a mistake :(  I kind of didn't need to hear that. *sigh*   Do you mean your  DIL's cat is now deaf, or just doesn't hear All sounds?  I really want to know.  I'm glad to hear your DIL's cat is doing well...that's great.  

We just got back from the vet, and Jade seems to hear just fine.  Her back was to me when I called her so I know she can hear.  Whether or not she can hear "just fine" I guess we'll see.  They all love her and are letting her roam (under supervison, of course).  Her new "look" is a little distressing to see for the first time, but once her fur grows in, she'll almost look the same as before.  She hasn't urinated or had a bm since Sat night and I'm concerned about that.  She's probably holding it as she's not used to a litter box.  Vet thinks this too.  She also hasn't eaten a whole lot so that could also be the reason.  We will definitely board her for a week, then access the situation from there.  

It's been a long 3days...
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Avatar universal
If it were me, I would be hesitant without a clear diagnosis.  But that is me.  

My daughter-in-law took in a cat whose ears were severely frostbiten.  They waited until the vet could see the whole damage (2days)  and she had to have her complete ear flaps removed.  She is doing just fine, but she is not allowed outside because the noise does not reflect into her hearing.  

In other words, her flaps do not catch the noise, so she doesn't hear it.

Other than that she is doing extremely well.
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
"Another story, which restores my belief that humans are good at base!"

Thank you Pip...right back at ya, baby! :)  Your post on Janet's journal the day Daisy passed was so sweet and more than touching.  

Janet - I don't know if it's a WOOHOO moment quite yet, but thank you for being so positive! :)   I hope after I speak with the vet this morning and see her tonight, I will be able to say WOOHOO lol.  I feel pretty positive, but am wondering what my dear Jade looks like.  I have a feeling I may be shocked by her appearence tonight.  I'm sure her head is shaved and I will see stiches instead of her sweet little ears.  
Helpful - 0
611067 tn?1458591483
I'm so glad to hear she's done so well!  WOOHOO!!!  I'll be saying some prayers that she'll recover and heal quickly!

Hugs,
Janet
Helpful - 0
506791 tn?1439842983
Pip here;

Another story, which restores my belief that humans are good at base!

My hopes that your kitty recovers as fully as possible.
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
ZQ...actually, she was pretty good all night, just in the morning she expected to be fed and when that never happened is when she started to go a little nuts, poor baby.  

The vet called a few hours ago and said the surgery went well and Jade was just waking up.  Vet advised against visiting tonight as they want her to stay nice and calm.  Thought if she saw us she might get more excited than they want and I can understand this so we will go tomorrow night.  I am dying to go see her though :(

There is really nothing else to report at this time, but I do want to thank you All for your thoughts and prayers.  Your support is Greatly appreciated...I can't tell you how much!

I will give an update tomorrow so I will talk with you all later :)

Helpful - 0
541150 tn?1306033843
I'm here!!!!! You know that, and I will be thinking about you both and praying for her :) Keeps us posted!
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587315 tn?1333552783
Jade must be going absolutely nuts staying in the house!!!!!!!  She driving ya nuts or what???  LOL  Well, you're doing it for her own good and she'll get over it.  =)  You're doing the right thing by going ahead with the surgery!!  I'm sure your vet has seen many of these ear cases before and can probably tell by looking.  

I will send my prayers to you and Jade for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!!  Sending lots of hugs your way, too!!!!!!!!!!!  

Take care, hon and please come back to let all of us in your cheering section know how both of you are doing!!!!!!!!  =D

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242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Good Morning,

Thank you, all, for you well wishes.

Janet, funny you are the first to respond.  I was making my oatmeal this am when you and your precious post about Daisy laying on your chest came to my mind.  I started to cry just thinking of that post.  Thank you for caring in your time of grief.  

No food or water for Jade after 10pm last night.  She ate some dry food and drank water about 9:30, but this morning, good grief, you would think she hasn't eaten for 2days!  She's been in the house since last night and she is not happy.  She hasn't used the litter box so I took her outside with my coffee to see if she would go potty, but instead, she tries to eat grass!  Back in the house we go.  

Only 2 more hours of her staring at me and throwing herself backwards the minute I move a muscle.  Our appt is at 9am.  My husband went Out for breakfast at 6.  Traitor!
Helpful - 0
931246 tn?1297902651
i hope everything goes well with jade.
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