Why are my cat's ears folding? He's on long-term steroids.

This is likely just because the cartilage in the ears are not as strong at the top. It isn't likely an issue as long as it isn't red, swollen, painful, scabbed, etc. If he continues to itch, I would just continue to follow up with your vet to ensure that the eat infection isn't coming back. I hope this helps! He is quite handsome!

Yes, that would be the assumption. Steroids are very potent anti-inflammatories. So he likely has/had some inflammation in/near the inner ear canal that was causing his hearing loss. It is not something your vet would know just by looking in the ear with an otoscope. This inflammation would be behind the ear drum and a CT scan would have been needed to find it. Hopefully this course of steroids will resolve the issue completely. If you wean him off the steroids and the hearing loss returns then there is something else going on in there, at which point, a CT scan would be recommended.

It may be part of his genetics as a lynx mix has curved pointed ears. Some scarring can create that also if there were prior ear infections that were not treated. Whichever the reason it does make it harder to examine the ears and clean then because of the folds and can lead to chronic ear infections.

Hi. This looks pretty severe, and it sounds like you have done alot. This could be allergies, food sensitivities, immune mediated skin disease, or more. Since you have been battling this and not much is working, i would recommend seeing a veterinary dermatologist as your second opinion. this would be the most helpful

Oreo could have a bite wound and associated abscesses causing the swelling, or have ear mite infestations and be working on aural hematomas. Aural hematomas are fluid pockets in between the ear cartilages and are very painful. When cats have ear issues they often scratch and shake their heads because it makes them itchy and painful. Oreo needs to see a vet to get her on the proper medications to make her feel better. She may need to be on a steroid like prednisolone, antibiotics, and anti-parasitic medication for ear mites, if that is going on.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oreo. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Inner ear infections result in vestibular signs such as loss of balance, circling and eye problems. If so, she will need oral antibiotics. In some cases, anti-nausea medications are prescribed as well. I hope this information helps!

I'm sorry Jonah is having this issue. Unfortunately, the ear flap (pinna) often loses it's normal shape after ear hematoma surgery which I am guessing you are referring to?? Sometimes it will flatten back out some once the sutures are removed. I strongly recommend you continue the laser therapy. I have seen wonders done with the laser in regards to healing these hematomas. There is no way for me to tell you whether or not the ear will regain it's shape. I wish I could tell you but only time will tell. I know it's disappointing but in reality, it is the nature of the disease. It is no one's fault and just the way his body responded. There are no guarantees when it comes to any medicine/surgery in animals or people. I hope this helps and the Jonah's ear goes back to normal. I will keep my fingers crossed.