Ear and Nose Cancer in White Cats
What is ear and nose cancer?
SCC cat’s ear
The earliest signs that something is amiss tends to be the appearance of small scabs, which owners often mistake as sores (from getting into fights or even just roaming around outside). Unlike sores, however, these scabs will not heal. As the cancer progresses, a more obvious ulceration of the affected tissue will start to appear along with weeping bacterial infections that are secondary to the SCC. After this, we will start to see severe tissue destruction. These later stages are still treatable, however, there is a much higher risk that the cancer has already spread.
Cryotherapy therapy nose SCC
Procedure cost
Depending on the length of the procedure and other ancillaries (like blood tests), cryotherapy cat cancer treatment costs between $950 and $1,400 at Melbourne Pet Surgery. In more severe cases, cat ear tumour surgery costs between $900 and $1,200. Compare this to referral centres where you would likely see a bill of $2,000 to $3,000 or even more!
Optional pre-anaesthetic blood test available for all surgeries (additional cost)
Recovery and aftercare
Your cat will generally be able to return home the same day if cryotherapy is performed, however, we recommend a hospital stay of two to three days if surgery is performed (as your feline friend will be placed on IV fluids at first, so we like to ensure they have started to eat and drink again before going home). Your cat will be sent home with antibiotics and pain relief, returning to the hospital two weeks after the surgery for a check up where the healing will be assessed and any sutures will be removed.
Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to avoid ear and nose cancer in white cats. Even indoor pets are at risk, as they like to sit near windows where they become exposed to UV rays. The most important thing you can do as an owner is seek treatment early. This will result in a permanent cure with little risk of spreading when cancer occurs in the ears, and only very little change when it occurs in the nose.
