testing on ears causing swelling?

Sorry I keep taking up so much forum space!

I've been doing more poking the last couple days on Rhubarb's ears, and I just noticed that she has a bit of swelling at the base of her one ear, along the front edge. Can this happen as a reaction from the testing? I can share a pic if needed. There is no swelling at test sites or elsewhere and she otherwise looks fine.

 

I am still new here. I wish I had answers. Sometimes my vet will answer questions over the phone. I hope someone more experienced will help here for you soon. I bet a picture will help.

 

To me it is unclear where the swelling is. The base of the ear us whe the ear attaches to the head. One does not test/poke near there. Posting a photo would clarify

 

My sisters cat had cauliflower ear, do not know if that would be similar.

 

Here is a pic- I dont test near there at all.

 

I would check with vet-could be an infection.

 

Thanks, will give them a call

 

It could be itching too - remember when wounds heal, even little ones, they itch and since we poke all the time they're at risk of scratching too much with their feet. They're not always the best at aiming when they scratch either. Or if they rub up against something enough, etc.

Can you tell if the area is hot to the touch at all, different from the rest of the ear? It looks pink, not red and not too swollen - so I'm wondering if it's a "scratching aim gone wrong" - have you noticed that at all?

Or when you hold the ear, does your hand rest anywhere near there during testing..? Might be a kind of allergic reaction to something.