Ears - Fungal/Yeast Infection

Question:

Dear Dr. Smith,

I have a cat that is about 10 years old who has had itchy ears for several months. It did not heal on it's own so I took her to a local vet. The vet told me that it was a fungal/yeast infection in the ears. She gave me an antifungul ear wash to use everyday for 2 weeks and antibiotics in tablet form. My cat will not eat the antibiotics in food, I am wondering if that is a good thing. Maybe my cat knows that the antibotics would not be a good thing for her. The earwash seems to help the itchyness. But she still appears to be on the lethargic side. I shop at a natural pet store for food and supplements. I recently got a probiotic/enzyme powder and an herbal formula for boosting the immune system and one for adrenal strength. I've been putting them in her food for about 3 days now. I am trying to ween both my cats off of the natural canned and dry foods to more raw meat because I think the raw meat would be the healthiest.

My question is should I continue to try to get her to take the antibiotic? And if so, what about the interaction of the herbs with it? Maybe I should not give the antibiotic even though the vet advised it. Maybe in time her immune system will get stronger and the infection will go away. The vet thinks it may be due to allergies. I think if her immmune system was strong enough, she would not have allergies.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much
Lisa

Response:

Hello Lisa,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. If your cat has been diagnosed with a yeast infection and refuses the antibiotics it will not compromise your cat to discontinue the medication. Ear yeast infections are external and respond most effectively with topical medications. The antibiotics should not have any side effects with the herbs if you still choose to use them.

The yeast infection may clear up on it’s own when you change the diet as chronic ear infections are often associated with food allergies. Please be mindful with a raw diet, as salmonella poisoning is not uncommon with improper preparation. The diet should be balanced with whole grains and the proper amount/quality of fats. Remember supporting the immune system will help your cat maintain a balanced health, but does not create absolute resistance. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

Follow up question:

Thank you very much for responding with your helpful advice.
Do you have a suggestion for what kind of food would be best for a cat that may have food allergies?
Thank you,
Lisa

Response:

Hello Lisa,
Glad to be of help. When I evaluate a cat for food allergies the primary ingredients to consider are the protein and carbohydrate sources. The main protein allergies are beef and chicken and carbs are corn, wheat, and soy. Since cats are true carnivores look for at least 2 sources of protein in the first 3 ingredients on the label and avoid any “by products” or “meals.”

What you can offer are “novel” protein and carb sources. Meaning foods your cat has never eaten before. Some foods I recommend are Halo, Wellness, Solid Gold and Evo by Innova. They contain grain free and single protein source well-balanced diets. It is also essential to avoid preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin as well as any food dyes. I hope this gives you a good base to begin.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA