Ear (Aural) Hematomas

Hematomas in the ears of dogs, often referred to as aural hematomas, occur when blood collects between the ear flap (pinna) and the ear cartilage. This condition is usually the result of trauma or injury to the ear, which causes blood vessels within the ear flap to rupture and bleed.

Causes

  • Trauma: Dogs often develop aural hematomas after excessive scratching, head shaking, or injury. This can be due to ear infections, allergies, or mites, which cause irritation and lead the dog to scratch or shake its head.
  • Underlying Conditions: Chronic ear infections or skin conditions, such as allergies, are common culprits because they cause the dog to scratch or shake its head frequently.
  • Other Causes: Less commonly, immune-mediated diseases or clotting disorders could contribute to hematoma formation.

Symptoms

  • Swollen Ear Flap: The most obvious sign of an aural hematoma is a swollen, balloon-like ear flap. It may feel soft and fluctuate when touched.
  • Discomfort or Pain: The dog may exhibit signs of discomfort, such as whining, scratching at the ear, or shaking its head.
  • Ear Tilt: Sometimes, the dog’s head may tilt to one side due to discomfort or imbalance caused by the swelling.

Diagnosis

A veterinarian typically diagnoses an aural hematoma through a physical examination. The swelling and appearance of the ear are usually enough to identify the condition, but the vet may also check for underlying causes, like ear infections, through an otoscopic exam or by taking a sample for analysis.

Treatment Options

Treatment is necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications such as ear deformity. The approach may vary depending on the severity and underlying cause:

  1. Let heal on its own:

    • Over time, the body will drain the hematoma itself. If you have the patience, this is the least risky treatment option. Use a cone to help prevent your pup from scratching more, and making it worse.

  2. Draining the Hematoma:

    • The veterinarian may drain the accumulated blood with a needle. However, this method carries a risk of recurrence because the cavity might fill up with blood again.

  3. Surgery:

    • Incision and Drainage: In more severe cases, the vet might make an incision to drain the hematoma completely and then place sutures or a stent to prevent it from refilling. This method often involves tacking the ear flap to the underlying cartilage to promote healing.
    • Button or Mattress Sutures: Some vets use special sutures that act like buttons, holding the ear together while it heals.

  4. Medical Management:

    • Treating the underlying cause, such as an ear infection or allergy, is crucial to prevent recurrence. This might involve medications like antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
    • Corticosteroids: Sometimes, the vet may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and help the hematoma resolve without surgery.

  5. Non-Surgical Options:

    • In some cases, particularly small hematomas, conservative management with time and medical treatment may be recommended, but this comes with a risk of ear deformity.

Complications

If left untreated, aural hematomas can lead to permanent scarring or deformity of the ear, often referred to as "cauliflower ear." The ear may also thicken and harden over time. Additionally, ongoing discomfort or infections can affect the dog's quality of life.

Prevention

Preventing aural hematomas involves addressing the root cause of ear irritation:

  • Aller-G & Immunity supplement: Myco Canine's Aller-G & Immunity supplement supports ear infections, allergies, itchiness, hot spots and more. This supplement works to target the root cause rather than just symptoms. This way, issues are healed from the inside out. 
  • Regular Ear Care: Check your dog’s ears regularly to catch infections or mites early.

If you notice any signs of ear swelling or discomfort in your dog, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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