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Old 10-31-2022, 09:31 AM   #11
RolyRocks
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Default Re: Ear bleeding and sore now.

Loki's ear is obviously bothering him as he is scratching it and making it bleed. Even the skin around the ear looks very red now. The ear also looks very swollen. Is there anything I can do to help him stop itching it? Are there any natural creams I could apply to soothe it? I did try a little salt water and dap it very gently with a cotton bud but I know there is a risk of getting water in his ear which would be bad. I don't know whether a vet could prescribe anything else other than Metacam or Bayril?? I read someone tried aloe vera gel, is this safe?
I just desperately want to help him as in all other ways he still appears pretty happy in himself. Yes, he is old and frail but he is still up and about and wanting his food. I would say he is scratching himself all over quite a lot but there are no bald patches and his skin doesn't appear dry or flaky.
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Old 10-31-2022, 09:39 AM   #12
Ria P
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

Tbh, i'd get a second opinion. Maybe he does have ear mites and they would bother him a lot.

To rule it out just because the other ear is not affected may not be a reliable enough assumption in the absence of a diagnosis.
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Old 10-31-2022, 09:52 AM   #13
RolyRocks
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

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Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
Tbh, i'd get a second opinion. Maybe he does have ear mites and they would bother him a lot.

To rule it out just because the other ear is not affected may not be a reliable enough assumption in the absence of a diagnosis.
I just honestly don't know who to get a second opinion from, I don't have anyone around here that specialises in exotic animals, I truly wish I did!!
What would be the treatment for ear mites and how do they get them?
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Old 10-31-2022, 11:25 AM   #14
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

It does sound like it might be ear mites. If he does have cancer, his immune system will be low, making him more prone to things like this. I am not sure but I believe the vet may give an injection if it's ear mites. It's certainly not something you can treat without a prescription because the external stuff can be quite toxic and needs to be prescribed. Also the stuff the vets prescribe is better than the "spot on" invermectin you see advertised (perhaps made differently or better quality). I wouldn't advise just buying something to try.

Maybe back to the vet and ask about ear mites?
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Old 10-31-2022, 12:08 PM   #15
Ria P
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

Sometimes it is not possible to say where things come from.
One of my elderly Syrians had a tapeworm but i have no idea where he got this parasite from.

Maybe you could ask to see a different vet within the same surgery?

According to my book, Ivermectin would be the treatment but given as an injection or a drop in the mouth and repeated in 10 days.

If the baytril doesn't work it must be something else than an infection i would have thought. Also, i don't think a cancerous tumor would be itchy.

My dwarf Ozzy had a tumor on his ear but it didn't bother him.
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Old 10-31-2022, 12:34 PM   #16
RolyRocks
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

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Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
It does sound like it might be ear mites. If he does have cancer, his immune system will be low, making him more prone to things like this. I am not sure but I believe the vet may give an injection if it's ear mites. It's certainly not something you can treat without a prescription because the external stuff can be quite toxic and needs to be prescribed. Also the stuff the vets prescribe is better than the "spot on" invermectin you see advertised (perhaps made differently or better quality). I wouldn't advise just buying something to try.

Maybe back to the vet and ask about ear mites?
I will ring in the morning and see if I can get an appointment. The vet kind of gave me the impression last time though that there isn't really anything else that can be done apart from keep him comfortable. I'm worried she is going to think I'm putting him through a lot when the outcome is still going to be the same. But if there is a chance I can help his ear whilst he is still doing well in his old age, I of course want to do everything I can, as long as he is not suffering.
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Old 10-31-2022, 12:43 PM   #17
RolyRocks
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
Sometimes it is not possible to say where things come from.
One of my elderly Syrians had a tapeworm but i have no idea where he got this parasite from.

Maybe you could ask to see a different vet within the same surgery?

According to my book, Ivermectin would be the treatment but given as an injection or a drop in the mouth and repeated in 10 days.

If the baytril doesn't work it must be something else than an infection i would have thought. Also, i don't think a cancerous tumor would be itchy.

My dwarf Ozzy had a tumor on his ear but it didn't bother him.
I have been advised that she is the only vet to see because the other vets who work there do not know much about hamsters. I originally contacted 3 different vet practices before registering Loki with this one because they were the only one who had a vet who had an interest in exotic animals.
I will definitely try and get an appointment tomorrow though because his poor ear is looking very sore today. I just hope the Metacam is taking away some of the pain and discomfort.
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Old 10-31-2022, 06:43 PM   #18
Amethyst_ice
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

Has your vet swabbed the ear? Baytril is broad spectrum but if it is an ear infection then a steroid and combination of antibiotics or antifungals may be more effective.
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Old 11-01-2022, 04:00 AM   #19
RolyRocks
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

No swabs have been taken.
I have a phone consult with the vet at midday today.
I have attached another photo, not brilliant I know, but this is what his ear looks like now.
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File Type: jpg 20221101_084612.jpg (706.4 KB, 6 views)
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Old 11-01-2022, 07:55 AM   #20
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Default Re: Ear cancer?

While cancerous growths can ulcerate, id be wanting to try a longer and combi course. The fact it smells and is oozing indicates infection that baytril will not always touch.Good luck x
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