

These may also be used in combination with surgical treatment, such as ear drainage or an incision. In some cases, when medical management is attempted, medications such as steroids, antibiotics, and/or pain relievers may be used. Several different dog ear hematoma treatments exist to reduce the swelling. This means looking at the swab under a microscope to identify the presence of bacteria and/or yeast. The vet will examine your dog’s ear with an otoscope and will often recommend taking a sample or ear swab for cytology. Most often, hematomas are noticed with an ear infection or other reasons for constant headshaking.Īddressing the primary cause for your dog’s headshaking is also necessary. The veterinarian will recognize the characteristic signs: the earflap is warm and swollen, and often red and inflamed-looking on the inside. How Veterinarians Diagnose Ear Hematomas in DogsĮar hematomas are diagnosed by physical examination.
Aural hematoma surgery skin#
Less commonly, allergic skin disease in dogs, immune disorders, trauma, or blood clotting deficits can cause ear hematomas in dogs.

Other causes for headshaking, such as ear mites, having something stuck in their ear, and underlying issues such as allergies, can lead to an ear hematoma. Dog ear infections cause irritation that results in headshaking, which in turn, causes the ear hematoma. The most common cause of an ear hematoma in dogs is an ear infection or other irritation within the ear. In most cases, only one ear will be affected however, both ears can have hematomas. You may also notice a foul odor or discharge coming from your dog’s ear. The swelling may involve the entire earflap, or it may cover only part of it. If your dog’s ear is infected, their earflap will swell and become red and warm to the touch. One sign of an ear infection in dogs is excessive headshaking, caused by irritation in the ear. If your dog has an ear hematoma, an ear infection is often its cause. As the blood accumulates, your dog’s ear will swell, forming an aural hematoma. Ear hematomas in dogs, also known as auricular hematomas or aural hematomas, occur when blood vessels rupture in the earflap, or pinna.
