Amputation of the Ears

[Jade59]

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!

[Piparskeggr]

Pip here;

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

My hopes that your kitty recovers as fully as possible.

[Jade59]

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 :)

[PrettyKitty1]

I'm here!!!!! You know that, and I will be thinking about you both and praying for her :) Keeps us posted!

[zodiacqueen]

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

[Jade59]

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!

[whiskey104]

i hope everything goes well with jade.