

This method does not require general anaesthesia. The drain will stay for two to three weeks, allowing the fluid to drain away as the ear heals. It will be secured in place with a suture. Next, the vet will make a small incision, and a small plastic tube will be placed into the pocket created by the aural hematoma. Next, the fluid will be sucked into the ear with a syringe. Next, the vet will lance the hematoma with a sterile needle inserted into the pocket of blood. These underlying problems require treatment.Īccording to Dr Michael Levine, DVM, the vet will disinfect the ear flap with rubbing alcohol, and the vet may apply a local anaesthetic to numb the ear. Once at the vet clinic, the veterinarian will examine the pet’s ears to look for signs of ear infection, bite wounds, ear mites and other ailments that may have led to the formation of the dog’s hematoma. Small hematomas frequently grow in size, so the ear will need to be treated as soon as possible. When a dog’ ear swells with blood, leading to the formation of an aural hematoma, a quick visit to the veterinary clinic is in order. Next, the dog will be placed on oral antibiotics to treat the infection. First, the vet will make a small incision to drain the ear, placing a drain. It requires immediate veterinary attention.
#Aural hematoma dog skin
In cases where the skin is broken, there’s a chance that the aural hematoma is an abscess - a pocket of infection. For instance, a dog bite can break blood vessels, causing the ear to fill up with blood. Getting hurt can also cause blood to pool in your body. But this is not always the cause some dogs’ ear hematomas form during play or other typical activities that involve vigorous head shaking. An infection or mite infestation will cause increased head shaking and scratching at the ear. What Causes a Dog’s Aural Hematoma?Īural hematomas are often caused by ear infections or ear mites in dogs.

If the aural hematoma is an abscess, the ear will be filled with foul-smelling pus that’s blood-tinged yellow, white or even green. You may note a slight odour of iron (attributed to the blood). The hematoma is a pocket filled with blood and fluid it’s a severe bruise.

The following signs are typically observed: In dogs, aural hematomas are relatively easy to diagnose. If left untreated, the dog’s ear may become permanently deformed due to the formation of scar tissue and/or infection. Is your dog’s ear suddenly swollen like a balloon and deep red? Your dog may have an aural hematoma, a pocket of blood that accumulates between the ear’s cartilage and the skin.Įar hematomas do require prompt veterinary treatment. Aural hematomas in dogs are surgically or medicated. Discover what causes a hematoma or blood pocket in a dog’s ear, which results in a swollen ear.
