My cat's ear infection is back. Can I safely use Dexoryl again?

The black, hard stuff needs to come out. Warm oil and compresses can help soften it, then you can use a wash cloth or cotton ball to remove the hard material. It is important to get this out of the way so that medications can reach the bacteria underneath. It appears that Dexoryl contains both an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory, and should be able to treat the infection. However, some bacteria can be particularly nasty and occasionally pets need oral or injectable antibiotics to get over it. Cats also commonly get ear mites that can cause an infection, so Melcho should be treated for mites. Another potential cause for the infection is polyps that grow deep down in the ear. The swelling under the cheek should definitely be checked by a vet if it does not go down in the next 24-48 hours.

Ear infections can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, or a combination of these, and can be associated with dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. If the Surolan helped but the infection has returned, Melcho needs to see a vet to have an ear swab done. Your vet can look at the sample under the microscope and treat appropriately based on what is found. Trying different medications without testing to determine the cause is not effective, and can lead to bacterial resistance to medication. Your vet will likely need to examine the ear with a scope to see if the ear drum is intact, as some medications cannot be used safely if the eardrum is ruptured. They may also recommend a culture and sensitivity test of a swab from the ear to help figure out what specific bacteria could be present and what medications they are sensitive to. Ear infections can be very painful, and as you mentioned, can sometimes progress to include the middle or inner ear, where they can cause neurologic signs or permanent hearing loss. Please book an appointment to have Melcho seen as soon as possible to help get him feeling better, and you can request a referral from your veterinarian if they are not willing or able to provide further care as you mentioned.

If the infection goes that far, we often use antibiotics tablets (sometimes two different types at the same time, as Melcho is having now) and strong anti-inflammatory medications, usually steroids. You should get in touch with your vets again, as it sounds that your Melcho is struggling at the moment and he may benefit from more aggressive therapy.

Without knowing the type of antibiotic, it is hard to know. The cat should be examined by a vet to determine the exact type of ear infection and the best medication to treat. If the cat has ear mites or a yeast infection, the antibiotic is not going to help treat the problem. Also, if the ear drum is ruptured there are certain antibiotics that should not be used. Please have your vet look at your cat before treating him with medications.

Ear mites and underlying allergic disease (that can predispose to recurrent ear infections) are possible and should be ruled out. A physical and otoscopic examination of the ear canal are enough to rule them out. Bacterial swabs and culture can be used as well to rule out resistant infections. I would recommend to discuss all these options with your veterinarian. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I am sorry to hear about Chy. Unfortunately, I suspect the steroid injection didn't actually fix her ear but just decreased the pain and inflammation temporarily, making it appear she was cured because her discomfort was temporarily relieved. If her infection was not treated with medication to kill the bacteria and yeast, it most likely is still present and will not go away with out the prescribed treatment from your vet. You could ask if they have another option for ear medication that is more affordable, or discuss any payment options they may have.

All medications can have side effects. Different antibiotics can cause GI upset like inappetance, vomiting and diarrhea. Ear drops can be irritating to the ear canal and several have the potential to cause deafness but this is usually transient. If your cat is not improving within a few days I would recommend a recheck with your veterinarian. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.