Dear friend,

This condition can be a Hematoma (blood filled) and it is usually caused by the cat scratching her ear or shaking her head violently. However, I am concerned about the "heat" as it can also be a bacteria infection.

Please compare it to this photo:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=vetmedicine&cdn=homegarden&tm=20&gps=390_1029_869_563&f=20&su=p284.7.420.ip_p284.5.420.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.marvistavet.com/html/bo dy_aural_hematoma.html

If nothing is done the body will reabsorb the fluid but the ear can be deformed looking permanently like a boxer cauliflower ear.

If it is bacterial and abscessed it can cause a systemc infection and make her quite ill. She should be seen for an antibiotic. In the meantime, apply almost hot damp compresses to try and get it to open and drain,then neosporen.

Here are agencies that will help with bills:

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home
" Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
http://www.angels4animals.org/
"Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."

Care Credit
http://www.carecredit.com/
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"With a comprehensive range of plan options, for
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every
budget."

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Prog ram is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

God's Creatures Ministry
http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html
"This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help."

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org/
"We are dedicated to insure that no
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker
is financially challenged."

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care."

Please let me know if you still have questions and how your baby is feeling. I will be here all weekend and happy to help further.

I hope she feels better very soon.

Very sincerely,

Terri