Stick It In Your Ear

[Rafiki]

How does he react to ear mushies? I squish the base of the ear between my thumb and forefinger and gently massage the lower part of the ear. My cats have always loved this and it seems to help itchy ears, particularly when they have a build up.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

He was born with slight strabismus (esotropic) in his left eye, and I always worry about the possibility of an internal structural issue inherent in cats with this. Hopefully, there's no defect in his left ear canal. I suppose that the only way I'll ever find out is to have him checked with a MRI. Does anyone know if strabismus indicates a hidden structural issue?

He has never had any balance or vision issues. The breeder warrants their animals for two years. I hope that Lou will live a long and normal life.

I think that there are a few things they could investigate prior to MRI. I have a kitten with slight strabismus that I have since taken to vet and he consulted the ophthalmologist who decided a neurologist was the better choice. The neurologist found absolutely nothing for concern. From her comments what I learned though is that bilateral strabismus is less likely to be caused by an internal issue like tumor, infection...but a unilateral one might be. With his ear irritation, it might well be linked I'd guess?

 

[SV Dad]

How does he react to ear mushies? I squish the base of the ear between my thumb and forefinger and gently massage the lower part of the ear. My cats have always loved this and it seems to help itchy ears, particularly when they have a build up.

I sort of do the same thing. I massage around the outside base of the ears. Mayhem absolutely loves it. Closes his eyes and purrs. (One of the few ways I can get him mostly stopped in one place!)
If he was in pain, I am sure he would withdraw in some way. If he lets it go on, might be a yowl of contentment. We all know this breed has some unusual behaviors.

 

[Rafiki]

I sort of do the same thing. I massage around the outside base of the ears. Mayhem absolutely loves it. Closes his eyes and purrs. (One of the few ways I can get him mostly stopped in one place!)
If he was in pain, I am sure he would withdraw in some way. If he lets it go on, might be a yowl of contentment. We all know this breed has some unusual behaviors.

Yeah....I was thinking that this would be a good way of determining pain versus itchies.

 

[Patti]

There can be a few causes of strabismus, the most common is a weakened muscle of the eye. I have a cat with extropia and a malformed pupil of one eye. She was evaluated by a vet ophthalmologist and it was determined that she probably had an infection or trauma to the eye either in utero, during birth, or shortly thereafter causing the issue (she was not born here so I don't know). There was no indication of an underlying neurological issue - but having said that, it requires a vet to determine that so I would get Louie checked out, just to be sure.

 

[Louie'sDad]

His ear may just have some wax in it that needs to be cleaned...that is what my cats do when they have excess wax buildup...I clean out ears gently with a q-tip...

Did that yesterday for the first time. Both ears came up clean; no wax on Q-Tip. I was only able to do this while holding him, which relaxes him. In any case he did not protest. Went in as far as the base of the outer ear. Wouldn't venture to go deeper than that.

 

[Louie'sDad]

How does he react to ear mushies? I squish the base of the ear between my thumb and forefinger and gently massage the lower part of the ear. My cats have always loved this and it seems to help itchy ears, particularly when they have a build up.

He loves that as well. Purrs as ususl 'cause he's happy.

 

[Louie'sDad]

I think that there are a few things they could investigate prior to MRI. I have a kitten with slight strabismus that I have since taken to vet and he consulted the ophthalmologist who decided a neurologist was the better choice. The neurologist found absolutely nothing for concern. From her comments what I learned though is that bilateral strabismus is less likely to be caused by an internal issue like tumor, infection...but a unilateral one might be. With his ear irritation, it might well be linked I'd guess?

Did due diligence investigating soon after I saw that it didn't resolve on it's own at one YO, as I'd been told that it sometimes does. Had him to an opthamologist who told me not to be concerned. I was also thinking neurologist, but never investigated. Maybe Louie is part Siamese or Burmese? It is unilateral and not noticeable when the pupils are dilated. Only noticeable when they are constricted and you look at him head-on. Left alignment is about 5-10 degrees ectropic. His condition is likely congenital as he has had it ever since I first saw him at 12 weeks, altho possible that a problem occurred at or soon after birth.

 

[Louie'sDad]

There can be a few causes of strabismus, the most common is a weakened muscle of the eye. I have a cat with extropia and a malformed pupil of one eye. She was evaluated by a vet ophthalmologist and it was determined that she probably had an infection or trauma to the eye either in utero, during birth, or shortly thereafter causing the issue (she was not born here so I don't know). There was no indication of an underlying neurological issue - but having said that, it requires a vet to determine that so I would get Louie checked out, just to be sure.

His vet examined him and told me not to worry. I then took him to an opthomologist who concurred. My only concern is of a remote possibility of structural or sinus deformity which could shorten his life. Then again, certain breeds like Siamese are commonly born with this. I've long ago concluded that it's probably a muscle issue and don't think about it since he's happy, healthy, active and agile.

 

[Rafiki]

Good news!