Conference misery::feline_v1

834.0. "The Cat's Ear Flap" by SQM::MURPHY (Is it Friday yet?) Thu Oct 15 1987 10:53

    Printed without permission from Dr. John E. Lindermuth's weekly
    column in the "1590 Broadcaster" (free paper distrib. in Nashua,
    NH and vicinity):
    
    		WHAT THE FLAP IS ABOUT
    
    "A cat's ear flap, or pinna, is very prone to tearing and injury
     during cat fights.  It is also susceptible to self-inflicted damage
     if the cat has an ear problem and scratches vigorously with its
     sharp claws.  This may sometimes lead to bleedin within the ear
     flap, causing it to swell up and form an "aural hematoma."  If
     this occurs, the cat will require an operation to drain out the
     blood.  Otherwise, the ear flap will shrivel up as the blood clot
     contracts within the flap.  This may well result in a "cauliflower
     ear" which may obstruct the ear canal and cause continuing
     irritation."