Ditto what CD3 says! Aural hematomas (ear-blood-growth/swelling) are most often caused by trauma. We see it in dogs, cats (and even pigs and sheep), when they have an ear infection - bacterial, yeast, or parasites like ear mites or flies, and they vigorously shake or scratch their ears. Or physical trauma, bites to the ear during fights for example, or if the wind whips the ear pinna (the long flap part) around when a dog has it's head stuck out the window or is in the back of a moving vehicle. As CD3 said, I believe they may heal without surgical intervention, but this may cause scar tissue leaving the 'crinkled ear', which feels very firm to the touch, and is no doubt uncomfortable for the pet (during healing, I don't believe its painful once over with). Treatment usually requires sedation, draining of the 'blood blister' and then either placing a temporary drain (less common and not as effective), or placing repeated stitches through the ear flap from one side to the other to prevent it from filling with blood again. And then treating the source of the problem. There have been reports of using surgical glue instead of sutures, but we have not found this to be as successful. There may still be a bit of scar tissue, but the ear usually doesn't get all 'crinkled' up and the animal gets almost immediate relief from the discomfort. Unfortunatley animals in the wild (or on the loose) don't get veterinary care. As I said, I don't believe that once the hematoma has resolved and the source of the problem is treated the cat has any discomfort, though I wonder if the tips of the ears may not be more prone to frost bite due to lack of circulation. Cats have an AMAZING ability to heal themselves, but scars will remain. Sorry, got wordy again! (And REALLY sorry if I seemed to put words in CD3's mouth, didn't mean to, I'm used to filling in the blanks for our clients when they have more questions after they leave the doctor! :) Have not heard of any genetic quirk either. S

lbpod, you got it all right, except for the straight screwdriver. Its proper use is to place it blade up in your back pocket and ventilate leather car seats (please note that this does absolutely nothing for marital harmony). Thanks for the laugh. I needed it after spending the entire day converting 10 billion oak leaves into a 3-inch coat over my entire body, and one bushel of compost material.

Oh man, that is priceless. Thanks for posting.

Red, I am a 'newbie' on this thread. But not to reclaiming my mojo! I hope you feel welcomed and reclaim RED! ((((((GO! GO! RED MOJO!!!!!!))))) How do YOU feel about the weight you have gained? IS it compromising your health? Attempting to reclaim that healthy gal inside is only something you can do for YOU, and only when you are really ready. If this is a path you want to explore, then #1 is see your GP first, they will be a great guide as to how and what changes will reignite your RED MOJO! With pain problems walking can seem like a real chore- have you ever tried water based workouts- aerobics/ swimming? They may help as there is not the pressure and impact. Oh... and on the arm flab thing... don't talk to me about that!! Whaaaaaaaa! : ( Mine are like empty PJ bags, or wings or some such. NO amount of muscle will fix them (well maybe Arnold Swarz size arms... but not sure if that's a good look on a short lady! hee hee hee) As an ex nail biter and picker, I think it is definately a habit. Each time you catch yourself at your nails choose to stop, do something else to occupy your hands- I made a habit of painting nail strengthener each day. While I can grow may nails long (eg if I have an upcoming event) I choose to keep them a practical length-just past the tip of my finger. They annoy me less that length too. I think a great MOJO activation method is a new hairstyle and a set of clothes- you can get off that plane and see your mum feeling good about yourself. There is more to being a great person than what you weigh and how long your nails are. Oh and to your mum- if she comments on your weight, say 'It's amazing how genetics play such a part in your chance for weight gain' and smile sweetly :) Em