These growths, which occur relatively frequently in cats, are not cancerous, as is often mistakenly assumed. They are benign, pedunculated mucosal protrusions that are often also inflamed. Young cats up to two years of age are particularly affected.
The nodular formations originate in the mucous membrane lining of the middle ear or nasopharynx. The cause of these growths is still unclear. It is believed that chronic nasopharyngeal or middle ear infections may be the cause. The polyps grow either toward the throat, into the external auditory canal, or in both directions. When they spread into the external auditory canal, the polyps destroy the eardrum as they grow, causing a serious ear infection.
The disease manifests itself through different symptoms depending on the location of the polyps. The mechanical impairment alone can lead to breathing noises, voice changes, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, head shaking, and difficulty in swallowing or breathing. If there is significant growth in the nasopharynx, neurological symptoms such as vestibular syndrome (see corresponding article), balance disorders, or Horner's syndrome (see corresponding article) may develop. Damage to the eardrum can lead to ear infections with bloody or purulent ear discharge and deafness.
Some ear polyps can be detected during a general clinical examination by your veterinarian. However, if the changes are deeper inside and not visible from the outside, a reliable diagnosis can only be made with the help of further examinations. To diagnose a polyp located deep in the external auditory canal or throat, your veterinarian must perform a special endoscopic examination of the ear or throat. However, this is only possible under sedation or general anesthesia.
X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans (see relevant articles) of the skull can help to determine the exact location of polyps. In addition, a blood test can provide important clues about possible underlying diseases.
Due to the often very impairing symptoms, ear polyps should always be surgically removed. Depending on the location and size of the growths, your veterinarian has a choice of different surgical methods. On the one hand, they can extract the polyps from the anesthetized animal with the aid of special forceps under endoscopic control, so-called "pull them out" of the ear canal or throat. Polyps in the throat area can almost always be completely removed using this method. However, with polyps that develop from the middle ear, there is a risk that remnants of the growth will remain and the polyp will reform.
In these cases, your veterinarian will therefore perform a so-called bull osteotomy, in which the tympanic cavity is opened from the outside. This allows the entire tissue of the polyp to be removed. This operation must also be performed under general anesthesia and by an experienced surgeon, as there are many sensitive vascular and nerve structures in the tympanic cavity that can be damaged. The recurrence rate is extremely low with such a complete removal.
Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and pain-relieving medications are administered either during or prior to the operation to reduce inflammation. Your veterinarian will provide you with detailed information about additional local treatment of the ear canal with rinses on a case-by-case basis.
After complete surgical removal, ear polyps have a very low recurrence rate and therefore a very good prognosis. For polyps in the throat area, even after simple "pulling out", there is already a good prognosis with only a very low recurrence rate.
Since the exact causes of polyps are unknown, prevention is virtually impossible. However, early detection and treatment of respiratory tract infections or ear infections is important, as it is believed that this can reduce the development of ear polyps.
It can occur suddenly or develop slowly and almost unnoticed. The horse seems to be stiff, and riding together is no longer enjoyable. What is going on?
With age, signs of wear and tear become noticeable in the body, even in our horses. Good care, adequate nutrition, and appropriate training are the best prerequisites for a long, healthy horse life. It is always important to remain attentive in order to quickly notice small changes and take action.
You drive to the stable in high spirits and lead your horse out of the pasture full of enthusiasm. But as soon as you start walking it to the grooming area, you notice that something is wrong. The familiar sound of hooves on the ground sounds somehow different. When you lunge your horse, it becomes clear: your horse is lame!
Especially during the cold and wet season, dogs can also suffer from painful inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) and the entire lower urinary tract. The causes and symptoms are similar to those of bladder infections in humans. Is your dog urinating more frequently than usual and in pain when doing so, or has it even accidentally urinated in the house even though it has been house-trained for a long time? Then your dog may be suffering from a bladder infection, which should be treated by a veterinarian.
Not a pleasant sight: suddenly, your dog is lying in a wet bed in the morning. It smells of urine and they look at you sheepishly. Their nose is still working well and they clearly feel uncomfortable.
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infectious disease transmitted by ticks. It was named after its discoverer, the German physician Paul Ehrlich. The disease, also known as tick fever, is endemic in the tropics and subtropics, but also in the Mediterranean region. It is therefore important to be aware of it when traveling to southern destinations. Ehrlichiosis became known during the Vietnam War, when several German shepherd dogs belonging to American soldiers fell ill and died. German shepherds, Dobermans, and huskies are still particularly susceptible to this disease.
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. It is considered friendly, eager to learn, and active—traits that make it a valued family dog. However, in addition to its positive nature, the Labrador also has special requirements that you should be aware of before deciding to get one.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy, is an allergic skin inflammation that causes severe itching—similar to neurodermatitis in humans. It is triggered by environmental allergens to which genetically predisposed animals react with an overactive immune system.
Time and time again, people find injured, supposedly sick or orphaned wild animals in their gardens, in towns or in the countryside. This is particularly common in spring and summer. But does the animal really need help? Traffic accidents involving wild animals are also a frequent occurrence in rural areas. So what is the right thing to do? Here you will find the most important information.
This little-known neurological disease of the spinal cord and spine mainly affects older, large dogs weighing 20 kg or more. The disease develops very slowly but is very painful for the dog and causes progressive paralysis in the hindquarters.
At some point, the time comes when we have to say goodbye to our beloved dog forever. Old age, illness, or an accident bring to an end what has been many wonderful years together. Saying goodbye to their dog with dignity is very important to most dog owners.
Whether recreational, amateur, or professional riding—the time spent together should be enjoyable for both horses and people. To ensure that this remains the case, a good amount of variety is important.
