Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the ears, throat, or middle ear of cats and dogs, most often affecting young cats and French Bulldogs. While benign, these growths can cause chronic ear infections, noisy breathing, head tilt, or even neurologic signs if left untreated. In this episode, listeners will learn how CT scans and video otoscopy performed by veterinary dermatology specialists help accurately diagnose and safely remove inflammatory polyps, why steroids are an important part of treatment, and what recovery looks like for pets.
Leo the Maine Coon with an Inflammatory Polyp
A young Maine Coon cat named Leo presented with a massive polyp filling his entire ear canal. Removal required extensive work, followed by steroid treatment. While he experienced some temporary neurologic side effects, he made a full recovery. Years later, he remains healthy, with no regrowth of the polyp.
This case highlights the importance of advanced diagnostics (CT scans) and careful post-removal care in managing inflammatory polyps.
What Are Inflammatory Polyps in Cats and Dogs?
Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous growths made of inflamed tissue that may form from:
- Inside the ear canal
- Middle ear
- Nasopharyngeal area (the back of the throat and sinuses)
- Auditory canal (tube that connects the back of the throat to the middle ear).
These polyps are most commonly seen in young cats and in certain dog breeds such as French Bulldogs. Despite being benign (non-cancerous), inflammatory polyps can cause significant discomfort and health problems if left untreated.
What Causes Inflammatory Polyps in Cats and Dogs?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but several triggers are suspected:
Viral infections in kittens (upper respiratory infections)
Chronic inflammation from allergies, especially brachycephalic breeds (like French Bulldogs) or cats with allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose)
Anatomical factors such as narrow ear canals or turbulent airflow in short-nosed breeds
When inflammation occurs in the ear canal, middle ear, or the auditory (Eustachian) tube, tissue changes can eventually form into a stalk-like polyp.
What Signs of an Inflammatory Polyp Can Owners See?
The clinical signs vary depending on the location of the polyp:
In the ear canal: ear infections, head shaking, scratching, pus or debris in the ear
In the back of the throat/nasopharynx: noisy breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge (sometimes bloody or with pus), gagging, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite
In the middle ear: neurologic changes such as head tilt, vertigo, abnormal eye movements, raised third eyelid, or unequal pupils
Cats often adapt to these symptoms and try to hide their problem, but that does not mean they are not suffering. Dogs, particularly brachycephalics (short-faced breeds like French Bulldogs, Boxers, English Bulldogs, etc), are less tolerant and may deteriorate more quickly.
How Are Inflammatory Polyps Diagnosed in Cats and Dogs?
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and ear evaluation. However, since polyps can grow in multiple locations, a CT scan is often recommended to identify:
The exact origin of the polyp
Whether multiple polyps are present
The extent of secondary infection or bony changes in the middle ear
Definitive diagnosis comes from biopsy or removal of the tissue during video otoscopy or surgery.
How Are Inflammatory Polyps Treated in Cats and Dogs?
Treatment typically involves:
Removal of the polyp using traction (gently pulling out the polyp with instruments while the pet is under anesthesia for video otoscopy or surgery).
Steroid therapy afterwards to shrink residual tissue and reduce inflammation. A Colorado State University study showed that following removal with steroids significantly lowers the chance of regrowth.
Antibiotics, often for 4–8 weeks, if a middle ear infection is present. Cultures are recommended to select the most effective antibiotic.
While steroids cannot eliminate a polyp alone, they are essential after removal to prevent recurrence.
What Happens if Inflammatory Polyps Are Left Untreated?
Untreated inflammatory polyps can cause:
Chronic ear infections
Rupture of the eardrum and spread of infection into the middle ear
Permanent nerve damage (head tilt, facial paralysis, vertigo)
Bony destruction of the middle ear
In severe cases, spread of infection to the brain, leading to meningitis
Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve outcomes and reduce long-term suffering.
What Is the Prognosis After Treatment?
When caught early, the prognosis is excellent. Most pets recover well, and recurrence rates are low if the polyp and inflammation are addressed together. Cats tend to recover especially well. Dogs, particularly French Bulldogs, may require more ongoing monitoring due to their anatomy and higher risk of recurrence.
If the polyp has caused neurologic issues that have been present for a while prior to removal, those neurologic changes may not resolve after polyp removal.
Some polyps may regrow, so rechecking with your veterinarian when recommended is important to monitoring.
If regrowth occurs, a more extensive surgery may be recommended to remove additional tissue where the polyp is growing from.
When Should You See a Veterinarian?
Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet shows signs such as:
Chronic ear infections or head shaking
Loud or noisy breathing
Sneezing with discharge (especially blood or pus)
Head tilt, balance problems, or eye changes
A family veterinarian may refer your pet to a veterinary dermatologist or specialty hospital for advanced diagnostics like CT scans and video otoscopy.
Looking for a Veterinary Dermatologist in Los Angeles?
At Veterinary Skin and Ear, ear masses are one of our many specialties. With advanced diagnostic and treatment tools, as well as expert training, our veterinary dermatologists can help your pet with recurrent ear infections or ear masses.
