Hematomas in Dog Ears

Dogs' ears are extremely sensitive, and trauma to the ear can lead to pain and constant problems throughout their life. A hematoma is an ear issue that regularly affects dogs, and it is a painful condition that needs to be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Recognizing a hemotoma on a dog and treating it right away is an essential part of caring for a dog.

  1. Description

    • A hematoma, which is also known as an aural hematoma or an auricular hematoma, is an event that occurs when blood and fluid collect between the cartilage and the skin of a dog's ear. It occurs when a blood vessel in the ear ruptures and the blood has nowhere to drain. This occurs very quickly, and is immediately painful to the dog. Though the pain abates if the condition is left untreated, the hematoma is still a problem.

    Symptoms

    • The most immediate visual sign of a hematoma on a dog is swelling. The area where the blood vessel ruptured becomes swollen, red and sensitive. The entire ear may also become swollen. The area is hot to the touch and touching it typically leads to the dog flinching or moaning in pain. Hematomas typically occur on the inside flap of the dog's ear, but they may also occur on the more visible outer flap. Dogs with floppy ears, like basset hounds and golden retrievers, are more prone to hematomas than dogs with small or pricked ears.

    Treatment

    • Treatments for hematomas vary depending on the size of the hematoma and the severity of the condition when the issue is discovered. One common treatment, involves creating an incision in the ear and allowing the fluid to drain out. After draining, the veterinarian sutures the wound closed and bandages the ear. A variant on this treatment involves draining the ear but only bandaging it afterward. This treatment is more common in show dogs, where sutures are not desirable. In the case of a very small hematoma, the veterinarian removes the fluid with a syringe.

    Risks

    • If left untreated, a hematoma can leave the dog's ear deformed. Over time, if the fluid is not allowed to drain, the pressure causes scar tissue to build up. Scar tissue is very tough and it affects the shape of the dog's ear. This may create a situation where the dog's ear shape is changed permanently, leading to more infections and even a constant level of pain for the dog.