Ear Surgery

Ear Surgery in Cedar Springs, MI

Ear problems can make pets miserable, with constant scratching, head shaking, and pain. When medication alone is not enough, Cedar Animal Hospital offers surgical options for pets from Cedar Springs and all over West Michigan, guided by careful diagnosis and clear communication with you.

Understanding Ear Surgery

Ear surgery covers several procedures, from simple to more involved. One of the most common is repairing an aural hematoma, a pocket of blood that swells the ear flap after a pet shakes or scratches hard. Other procedures remove growths or polyps from the ear canal, or open or remove part of the canal in pets with long-term infections that no longer respond to treatment. Cats in particular can develop polyps that cause ear and breathing problems.

Because ear surgery often follows ongoing infection or allergy, diagnosis matters. Looking at ear samples under the microscope shows what is causing the problem, and our in-house CT scan can show the deeper parts of the ear when needed. Dr. Judy Nauta focuses her continuing education on allergies and cytology, and Dr. Samantha Littleson focuses hers on soft tissue surgery, so pets benefit from a team approach.

What to Expect During Ear Surgery

Here is how ear surgery usually works at Cedar Animal Hospital.

1. Ear Exam and Testing

Your veterinarian looks into the ear canal, checks the ear flap, and may take samples to look at under the microscope. This shows us what is causing the problem.

2. Imaging and Planning

For long-term ear disease or suspected growths, imaging such as our in-house CT scan helps us see the middle ear and plan the right procedure. We explain your options and an estimate before scheduling.

3. Surgery

Under anesthesia and with pain control, the procedure is done in one of our surgical suites. Removed tissue may be sent for testing so we know exactly what it is.

4. Aftercare

Your pet will go home with pain medication, a cone to prevent scratching, and instructions for cleaning or protecting the ear. Rechecks make sure healing is on track, and we continue to manage any underlying allergy or infection.

Why Ear Surgery Can Help Your Pet

For pets with serious or long-lasting ear problems, surgery can bring relief that medication alone cannot.

Ending Ongoing Pain

Chronic ear infections hurt. When the ear canal is badly damaged, surgery can remove the source of pain and repeated infection.

Fixing Hematomas

Repairing an ear hematoma helps the ear flap heal with less scarring and keeps the swelling from coming back.

Removing Growths

Polyps and masses in the ear canal can block the ear and trap infection. Removing them restores comfort and lets us find out what they were.

Signs Your Pet May Have an Ear Problem

Call us to schedule an exam if you notice:

• Frequent head shaking or scratching at the ears
• A puffy, swollen ear flap
• Bad odor, redness, or discharge from the ear
• Head tilt, loss of balance, or circling
• Pain when the ear or head is touched

Sudden head tilt, loss of balance, or severe pain should be seen promptly. Our urgent and emergency team is available seven days a week.

Managing the Root Cause

Many ear problems start with allergies. Treating the underlying cause, with the right medications, diet, and regular ear care, helps protect the ears after surgery and lowers the chance of future problems.

Practice Highlights

Cedar Animal Hospital is proud to care for pets from Cedar Springs and across West Michigan:

• Advanced Imaging: In-house CT scan for a detailed view of the ear
• Multiple Surgical Suites: Dedicated space for planned procedures
• AAHA-Accredited: Caring for pets since April 1993
• Flexible Payment Options: Cash, check, major credit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay