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!

[April2]

My prayers are with you and Jade! I pray she will have a speedy recovery and that this will not affect her in any way. God bless you! Come back and let us know how she's doing. Sending warm hugs and well wishes your way. God bless.

[buriedinfur]

I've seen cats that have lost their entire ears to frostbite - you are right in that they do lose some expression...but you will be surprised how much they can still convey with the 'chunk' of ear at the bottom of their head - that will still swivel. As well there is body posturing and their eyes. You can tell a lot by the eyes.

Best wishes for your girl! Don't feel guilty about not having her in her usual surroundings...you're a good fur mommy and she'll adjust just fine.

[HelpinUtah]

I'm sending prayers Jade's way and your way.  Please let us know how she does tomorrow.  Lots of hugs, Janet