Is Mollie's ear mite treatment worsening the problem?

[LinZ]

My 13-year-old cat Mollie has always had a minor case of ear mites, as do most cats in their lives. But for some reason my mom thinks his mites have gotten worse and she found an ear mite treatment somewhere in the house and has been applying it every other day in his ear canal. The only thing now, though, is that Mollie's ears seem even more irritated now that this medication is being dripped into his ears.

His ears used to stand erect all the time, but now they lay flat on his head like he's frightened. He shakes his head constantly and paws at his ears. If I pet him any harder than gently on his head, he meows in what sounds like pain if I touch his ears.

Could the treatment have made his ear mites worse? Or is he just getting used to having liquid in his ears?


LinZ - thinks Mollie was better off before the treatment

[Traci]

He needs to see the vet, LinZ, we've talked about this before.

I suspect your mother found an outdated, earmite treatment that has expired and is causing more harm than good. Plus, you don't even know if this is earmites of something else. I suspect it's much worse, such as an inner ear infection that ONLY your vet can treat. If the ear has raw spots or open sores inside, whatever your mom/you are putting into the ears are going to make it much worse, not to mention excruciatingly painful for Mollie.

Get him seen by your vet immediately. Best to let your vet examine him and treat this properly.

[LinZ]

Yes Traci, I know...vet visit. But my mom has a thing about not wanting to take animals to the vet for anything other than spaying and neutering. But the cost of a visit to a local vet has gone up...to $38 to simply walk in the doors! It's insane what they charge because there's so many people working there. And because of these costs, people with low incomes who love their pets dearly can't do much to help them health-wise. I'm almost positive there isn't another veterinary clinic in our vicinity...

But no, he has no open sores or raw spots...only the classic black mess inside his ears from mites.

I'd like to start a rant about vet costs but I won't...I just like to come here first so, in the event my mom would care enough to try and help our animals, we wouldn't be going for them to tell us there's nothing wrong. I know I could make a call to the vet and ask what to do, but then they could say to bring him in...I might feel the tiniest bit cheap if I told them I can't bring him in for veterinary help because I have no money.

Trust me, if I had the money I'd take Mollie to the vet in a heartbeat because he has a lot wrong with him.


LinZ - would start a low cost veterinary clinic if she had any knowledge at all on the subject

[Traci]

It is unethical to advise past this because we haven't seen Mollie. Only your vet can do that. There is a valid reason vets require to see the pet before dispensing medication, etc. It is because he needs to know what he is treating, in order to best help the condition. It is also against the law for a veterinarian to dispense many medications without first physically examining the pet and making a diagnosis.

What you think is mites, could very well be a deep-seated infection. You described his ears as flat and folded over, which is not normal for healthy cats. You've described shaking his head and pawing at his ears....this is every indication the ears hurt, are painful, and are aggrivating him. If he scratches them, then more bacteria develops, worsening the infection. Severe mite infection can also worsen and cause infection.

The debris needs to be removed by your vet, the ears need to be cleaned with an appropriate ear cleaner, and if an infection has occured, then antibiotics to heal them are necessary. If mites are the actual problem, they too need to be removed and treated appropriately or the situation will continue to worsen into severe infection. Mites can also be transmitted to your other cats, and then you'll have an even bigger problem.

The costs for veterinary care are justified. Just as in human medicine, if your child were sick, you'd get care for your child immediately. Why shouldn't your cats deserve that as well? You can call other vets in your area to compare prices.

Just imagine for a moment how painful Mollie's ears are (not to mention his other health problems). Imagine having an inner ear infection and having it affect nearly everything you do day by day. If not treated, it will continue to worsen until he is debilitated. Getting proper care initiated immediately will actually save you more costlier health procedures in the long run.

I'm sure your mom knows this, and recognizes it. But, if she can afford to get you a computer and internet access, then I would think vet care would be within her means as well. Sounds like a matter of priorities....your pets should be those priorities. I don't mean to sound harsh, LinZ, but owning pets is a responsibility and we owe them proper veterinary care when they are sick, ill, hurting.

[jason]

But the cost of a visit to a local vet has gone up...to $38 to simply walk in the doors! It's insane what they charge because there's so many people working there. And because of these costs, people with low incomes who love their pets dearly can't do much to help them health-wise.

if you mom wont do it, get a job...delivery newspaper for a month or so...vets charge what they need to stay open and provide themselves with a business so they can live. you typically pay co-payments for your own doc, but check into what they bill your insurance for just "walking in the door"...its usually 55-80 dollars for routine visits. most vets will even agree to 2-3 payments spread out.

money should not be an issue, either get care or dont. telling us all of the problems over again is doing nothing for the situation.

you might consider giving away this cat to someone who can afford to care for it until you or your family is able to care for another properly. your admitting he needs care, get him the care even it means giving him up.

[guitarsjb]

Patches had to have surgery and her vet agreed to let me pay 1/2 and hold a check for the second half until I get paid Monday. Ask them, they won't let an animal suffer and either should you.

[Tambrey]

yes...most vets are willing to work on payments...our local vet will even let you break it into 6 payments...we gave him 6 post dated checks for each month, and they have a filebox they keep those checks in from everyone and deposit them on the Friday after whatever date it is dated for...

Many people in this rural area are not well off, and he knows that...and charges minimal (neuter is $65 and spay is $75)...and if people cannot afford it, he works with them...most vets will...ask...then as mentioned, get a job to help pay for your cat's vet bills...

If you make the arrangements with the vet, and you are making the payments, then your mom will see how serious and responsible you are about your cat...
Best of luck and please try to get some help for him...