Tumors of the Ear Canal in Cats

Ear canal tumors may develop from any of the structures lining or supporting the ear canal, including the outer layer of skin, the glands that produce earwax and oil, or any of the bones, connective tissues, muscles, or middle layers of skin. Tumors of the external ear canal and outer ear are more common than tumors of the middle or inner ear. Rapidly growing or spreading (malignant) ear canal tumors are more common in cats than in dogs but, overall, these tumors are

Inflammation of the middle ear structures (otitis media) is usually caused by an extension of infection from the external ear canal or by penetration of the eardrum by a foreign object. Inflammatory polyps are also a common cause of otitis media in cats. The spread of infection through the bloodstream to the middle ear is also possible, but it is rare. Inflammation of the middle ear

Thetubular portion of the outer ear that carries sound to the eardrum is called the ear canal. The most common disorder of the ear canal in cats is called otitis externa. This condition occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed. The inflammation may also extend to the ear flap (pinna). Signs include head shaking, odor, redness of the skin, swelling, scratching of the ears, increased discharge, and scaly skin. The ear canal may b

A variety of skin conditions affect the outside part of the ear, called the pinna. Most conditions cause tissue changes elsewhere as well. Rarely, a disease affects the outer ear alone or affects it first. As with all skin conditions, a diagnosis is best made when combined with the results of a thorough history, a complete physical and skin examination, and carefully selected diagnostic tests. Insects and parasites commonly cause inf

Deafness in cats may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired as a result of infection, trauma, toxins (including certain drugs), or degeneration of the ear. Deafness present at birth can be inherited or result from toxic or viral damage to the developing unborn kitten. A certain gene in cats causes white fur, blue eyes, and deafness; however, not all blue-eyed white cats are deaf. Deafness in this instance is due to degenerative changes that

Cats are very sensitive to sound, with a range of hearing both above and below the range of frequencies that can be detected by humans. They can hear better than people and even better than most dogs. The ear is an organ of hearing and an organ of balance. It consists of the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear includes the pinna (the part you see that is made of cartilage and covered by skin, fur,