An ear hematoma (also referred to as an aural hematoma) is a blister that can form on a dog's ear and fill with blood. Dogs with long and floppy ears are more prone to infections and likely to develop ear hematomas. In this post, our Long Island vets provide more facts on ear hematomas and treatment options.
What is an ear hematoma?
An ear hematoma is a blood-filled blister that forms on your dog's ear cartilage and skin. Also called aural hematomas, these can be caused by injuries, excessive scratching, or trauma. The small blood vessels in the ear flap break and leak internally, resulting in this swelling.
Dogs with chronic ear infections tend to develop this condition due to frequent pawing and scratching at their ears. Dogs with long and floppy ears, those who spend a lot of time in the water, and those with untreated allergies that cause skin irritation are more susceptible to ear infections and hematomas.
What does a hematoma look like?
An ear hematoma will appear as a swollen area on your dog's ear flap. In severe cases, the entire ear flap may be affected, and the weight of the blood may cause the ear flap to droop or hang lower than it usually would.
Depending on the location and size of the hematoma, it may feel firm or squishy to the touch. They are often painful, and your dog will probably shy away from your attempts to touch the affected ear.
Is an ear hematoma considered a veterinary emergency?
An ear hematoma in dogs is not typically considered a life-threatening emergency. However, prompt veterinary attention is required to diagnose the underlying cause of the hematoma, prevent complications and alleviate your dog's discomfort. Left untreated, ane ear hematoma can lead to infection, scarring, and potential long-term damage to your dog's ear.
Your Dog's Ear Hematoma Surgery
The best way to treat a hematoma is with a surgical procedure that will have two purposes: to drain the hematoma and prevent it from forming again. A veterinarian may use one of a few different techniques based on their preference and your dog's needs and circumstances, but the general procedure is the same.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your dog's ear hematoma and whether there are complications or other complex issues occurring, your vet may refer you to our board-certified veterinary surgeons in Long Island for advanced diagnostics and treatment.
To start, a veterinarian will surgically drain the hematoma and remove any blood clots. Next, the empty or "dead" space in your pet's ear flap that was filling with blood will be removed. To accomplish this, your vet will stitch numerous sutures through the ear to promote scar tissue formation and reattach the cartilage to the skin.
How much does ear hematoma surgery for dogs cost?
The cost of surgery can vary depending on many factors. It's always best to contact your vet or veterinary surgeon directly. They should be able to give you an accurate estimate.
Dog Ear Hematoma Surgery Recovery
After hematoma surgery, a dog's ear takes about two weeks to recover fully. As for what to expect after dog ear hematoma surgery, your veterinarian will prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help ease your pet's discomfort. They may also prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Following surgery, your dog may require a drainage tube placed in its ear to aid in healing. Your veterinarian will remove the tube between 3 and 14 days. To keep your dog from scratching their ear while it heals, you may need to use an e-collar or Elizabethan collar.
Follow your vet's instructions for proper home care and watch for signs of infection, such as bad odor or swelling that doesn't seem to be improving.
Preventing Further Hematomas
Treating the underlying cause of your dog's ear irritation is critical for avoiding future hematomas. Without treatment, your dog may continue to scratch and paw at their ears, leading to further complications.
Make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian for follow-up care and to monitor your dog's healing process.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.