Feline ear polyps are very rare. These benign growths can occur in cats of any sex or age. However, they normally affect younger cats no older than four years of age. The polyps grow either in the middle ear or near the ear drum. Sometimes, they grow in the back of your cat’s throat.

Causes

No one knows exactly why these polyps occur when they do. However, there are a few possibilities to explain their occurrence. Some speculate they occur because of inflammation caused by fungi or bacteria. It is also thought that feline calicivirus can cause the growths.

Symptoms

If your cat is affected by these growths, he will display some of the same symptoms caused by an ear infection. He may scratch or shake his head frequently. Some cats produce a thick discharge from the ear. It is also common for cats with feline ear polyps to have trouble walking in a straight line. Other common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, snoring, and difficult breathing.

Diagnosis

Polyps can cause a lot of damage to your cat’s ear drum if not detected in time. The veterinarian will have to physically exam your cat’s mouth and ears with an otoscope. He may have to sedate your cat so that he can examine the areas properly. Sometimes, it’s necessary for x-rays to be taken of your cat’s head to detect feline ear polyps. Once they have been detected, a biopsy will likely be done to make sure they aren’t caused by cancer.

Treatment

The main treatment method for feline ear polyps is surgery. There are two surgeries that can be performed, one invasive and the other non-invasive. During the non-invasive surgery, the stalks of the polyps are pulled up then cut. The problem with this form of surgery is that the base of the polyps aren’t removed. This will likely cause them to recur in a few months.

The invasive surgery has the least chance for recurrence. During this surgery, the bone that surrounds the inner ear is removed. This allows the base of the polyps to be removed also so they don’t grow again. Your cat will probably have to take antibiotics for a few weeks after surgery.