cat ear cleaner recipes ; feline ear infection prevention;

Question
I read your wonderful article on working with ear infections in canines - does the same advice apply to felines?(the probiotic, omega 3 and nuvet plus wafers, as well as the boric acid wash). Any confict with my pet being hyperthryoid or any recommendations for hyperthryoidism - could this also be caused enviornmentally?
Thank you!
Kate

Answer
Recipe for cat ear cleaner ; probiotics for cats; salmon oil for cats;

Hi Kate, Sure, in felines a good probiotic, omega 3 ( Salmon Oil - 1 teaspoon per day ) and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day for the NuVET feline powder will help heal and prevent ear infections.

It increases the immune system's Power to fight off infection and helps to reduce inflammation.
To get your NuVET Feline - please call-in your order:
They do sell a small bottle at 20.00
( must call in for this size bottle and use order code 81098...)

The have a secure ordering site here:   http://www.nuvet.com/81098
( they don't sell the small bottles on line, only the larger sizes....)
1-800-474-7044
Tell them Pet Nurse Marie Peppers sent you...

Here is a recipe for cats and dogs:
**a little messy but works:

Power Ear Treatment
Caution: please have your veterinarian evaluate your dog or cat's  ear drum prior to treating
the ear problem yourself. Be certain that the ear drum is NOT ruptured, as there could
be the risk of irreversible deafness or loss of equilibrium.
Your vet can rule out the presence of tumors or foreign bodies such as foxtails. A microscope smear would reveal bacteria, yeast or mites and then a culture and sensitivity test can be performed.

INGREDIENTS:

16 Oz. bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol (standard 70%)

4 Tablespoons of Boric Acid Powder

16 Drops of Gentian Violet Solution 1% (see end of article for more information)

Mix together in alcohol bottle and shake well.

Treat TWICE a day for the first week to two weeks, depending upon severity
of ears.  Then, just 1 x per week should be good.
SEE your vet if your pet seems to have pain and any bloody discharge.



You will need to shake solution every time you use it to disperse the Boric Acid Powder.
Purchase a flexible plastic bottle with the opening at the top so that the solution may be
gently squeezed out and dispense solution to affected ears. The ideal is a hair-dye bottle
available at a pharmacy, Wal-Mart, Target, etc, or a beauty supply store.

PROCEDURE:
` Evaluate condition of ears before treating and if very inflamed and sore:
do not attempt to pull hair or clean out ear at all. Just flush and then wait until
inflammation has subsided, which will be about two days.
` Warm the solution (as instructed above) and shake the bottle each time before
using it for treatment,.
` Flood the ear with solution (gently squirt bottle)`
`Massage gently to the count of 60, wipe with a tissue.
` On first treatment: flood the ear twice, wipe with a tissue, and leave alone without
massage.
` The dog will shake or cat ..... *****Violet does stain fabrics,
the excess, which can be wiped with a tissue.

All of these ingredients should be available at a pharmacy, and some will special order items for you. One brand of the Gentian Violet 1% solution is "Humco" and the one ounce bottle
typically sells for slightly over $4. It is called an "Antiseptic First Aid Antiinfective".
The Boric Acid powder in the 4 ounce size typically sells for about $4.00 and is usually in stock at the pharmacy.

*****************************************************************************************
~~~You asked : "hyperthryoidism - could this also be caused enviornmentally"?

Causes - Yes, Environmental factors have been considered but not yet proven:
read here for more info:

http://pethealth.petwellbeing.com/wiki/Cat_Hyperthyroidism

There are certain factors that may increase a cat's risk of developing hyperthyroidism. For instance, older cats are more likely to suffer from this disorder than are younger cats. Furthermore, it's possible that environmental and dietary factors also play a role in the development of this condition in felines. Although potential environmental and dietary influences have not been firmly identified as contributors to this disorder, investigations continue to be conducted with respect to the possible effect of dietary iodine on the development of feline hyperthyroidism.


Well, I am here if you need me.... Make sure you wrap the cat up in a Papoose wrap with a towel.
So not to get yourself scratched or turned blue/purple with this solution....VERY - messy and can stain your clothing.

Good Luck
Marie Peppers LPN MA
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