Understanding Inflammatory Ear Polyps in Cats

Some cats can develop a random ear infection. It usually gets better with treatment. But then, a few weeks later, it comes back. This issue can be worrisome, frustrating, and expensive.

Inflammatory polyps that grow inside the ear can cause these ear infections. They’re also known as nasopharyngeal polyps, oropharyngeal polyps, and middle-ear polyps.

Here’s what to know about these polyps and how to deal with them.

What are inflammatory ear polyps in cats?

Inflammatory polyps are the most common issue in the middle ear for cats. The middle ear is a hollow space located behind the eardrum. The eardrum separates the middle ear from the ear canal. The ear canal travels up to the top of the head and into the ears.

Inflammatory polyps are benign — not cancerous — masses that grow in the middle ear. From there, they can expand into the ear canal through the eardrum. Or, they can grow into the back of the throat. Sometimes, they can go in both directions. But they don’t usually spread to other parts of the body.

Causes of inflammatory ear polyps in cats

The cause of inflammatory ear polyps isn’t entirely understood. But it’s believed they could develop as a response to constant inflammation from viruses. Some viruses that might cause them include:

• Feline calicivirus

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Younger cats are more likely to develop inflammatory ear polyps. But older cats can get  them as well. No breed or sex has a higher risk. 

What are the symptoms of inflammatory ear polyps in cats?

Symptoms of inflammatory polyps can vary depending on where the polyp has grown and how big it is. Symptoms include:

• Bad odor from the ear

• Balance problems

• Bloody or yellowish green discharge from the ear

• Difficulty breathing

• Discharge from the nose

• Head tilt

• Rapid eye movement

• Scratching at the ear

• Shaking of the head

• Sneezing

• Snoring

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The balance problems, head tilt, and eye movement usually occur if the infection spreads to the inner ear — which contains organs for hearing and balance. If your cat shows any of these signs, take them to the vet.

How are inflammatory ear polyps in cats diagnosed?

Diagnosis of inflammatory polyps includes a physical exam by your veterinarian, X-rays, and possibly a biopsy. Your vet will look into your cat’s ear with an instrument called an otoscope, which they use to see down to the eardrum.

Sometimes, polyps can be seen at the back of the throat or through the external ear. Your vet may use a flexible scope, called an endoscope, to look into the throat or nose for diagnosis. They may need to sedate your cat during this process if the cat has ear pain. 

In some cases, computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be needed to determine the size of the polyp. Your vet may recommend a biopsy to confirm  that the polyp isn’t cancerous.

How are inflammatory ear polyps in cats treated?

Polyps usually need to be surgically removed. Without treatment, your cat will likely continue to experience discomfort. After the ear polyp is removed, cats usually have a good quality of life. 

There are two types of procedures that are commonly used to remove ear polyps in cats.

Traction technique

Sometimes, polyps can simply be pulled out if they can be seen in the throat or ear — this is called a traction technique. But there is a 50% chance the polyps will grow back after this procedure. This is because pulling them out doesn’t remove their base inside the tissue.

Prednisone or prednisolone might be prescribed for at least 2 weeks after the traction procedure. It’s thought that prednisone can lower the chances of the polyp growing back. If the polyp grows back, your veterinarian will help you figure out next steps.

Ventral bulla osteotomy

In many cases, cats with polyps will need a surgery called ventral bulla osteotomy. The bulla is the middle ear. Your veterinarian will remove a section of the bulla — the bone itself — to see the polyp inside.

From there, your veterinarian will be able to take out the polyp and the surrounding tissue it’s attached to. The chance of the polyp growing back is low with this procedure.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Leah Thomason

Leah Thomason was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She is a writer from Houston, Texas, with an interest in pet health.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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