An ear hematoma, also referred to as “aural hematoma,” is a collection of blood, often caused by inflammation, between the ear flap, cartilage, and the skin of the ear. While it can occur in any dog, it is more common in certain breeds, especially those with long ears. The blood accumulation can lead to swelling, sensitivity to touch, and deformities of the ear canal, with the latter persisting permanently without or with late treatment. That’s why it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an ear hematoma.

Symptoms of an Ear Hematoma in Dogs

The most characteristic symptom of an ear hematoma is a soft, fluid-filled swelling. It is usually well noticeable, particularly in later stages, and can be “compressed” with the thumb and forefinger. However, identifying a developing ear hematoma may not be as straightforward for laypersons. Therefore, attention should also be given to other symptoms, including:

Ear Hematoma: Possible Causes

Various factors can contribute to the development of an ear hematoma in dogs.

Among the most common causes are:

Which Dog Breeds Are Prone to Ear Hematoma?

While it is not impossible for dogs of other breeds to develop an ear hematoma, breeds with large, hanging, and heavy ears are particularly vulnerable. Some of the most susceptible breeds include:

If you have a dog of one of these breeds or another breed with large floppy ears, it is advisable to regularly examine your dog’s ears.

Diagnosis

To determine if your dog is indeed suffering from an ear hematoma, the veterinarian will first conduct an external examination, inspecting and palpating the swelling. They will also look for ear mites or other parasites. Additionally, they will inquire about your pet’s behavior and symptoms. In the next step, a sample of tissue fluid will be obtained through ear puncture and sent to the laboratory for examination.

This can help identify infections or detect blood clotting disorders. If the veterinarian diagnoses an ear hematoma, it is better to have already obtained dog health insurance or at least dog surgery insurance that covers the costs; otherwise, it can become quite expensive.

Treating Ear Hematoma in Dogs: Surgery or Conservative Therapy?

How your veterinarian treats an ear hematoma in your dog depends on whether it resulted from an infection or not. If it’s caused by an infection, the first step is to combat the infection with antibiotics or other medications to eliminate the underlying cause and prevent a recurrence. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also used to address inflammation. Additionally, the goal is to alleviate symptoms and restore the ear to its original state as much as possible.

This is often achieved through surgical drainage, where blood is suctioned from the ear. After this operation, your dog will be fitted with wound compression and an Elizabethan collar. The collar aims to prevent the animal from scratching the wound or shaking its head. During the healing phase, your dog needs rest, and the dressings must be regularly changed, with the wound being monitored. Sometimes, blood may need to be suctioned a second time if it has collected again in the swelling.

A conservative treatment—opting not to perform surgery—is also possible for a less severe ear hematoma. In this case, your veterinarian will immobilize your dog and drain the fluid through a needle puncture. Some practices may use leeches instead to suck out the blood. However, each of these methods carries a higher risk of symptom recurrence and a renewed blood accumulation in the tissue. This is especially true if the body cannot close the rupture in the blood vessels entirely or to a significant extent. In such cases, additional punctures or surgery may be necessary.

Prognosis

Typically, the prognosis for a treated ear hematoma is good. However, even with surgery, relapses can occur, or scars and deformities may persist despite treatment. In any case, it is advisable to schedule regular follow-up appointments with your veterinarian for your dog.

Preventing Ear Hematoma: How to Best Take Precautions

The key to successful prevention of an ear hematoma is good, regularly performed ear hygiene for your dog. It’s best to use a damp cloth for cleaning. However, make sure to thoroughly dry the ear after cleaning. The same applies after bathing or splashing around, as moisture promotes inflammation. While cleaning, be vigilant for redness and other changes in the ear, especially in the ear canals, and report them to your veterinarian early on. It’s advisable to avoid using cotton swabs, as they pose a high risk of injury.

In addition to ear care, it is recommended – as far as possible – to ensure that your dog does not get injured or scratch its ear too often. For dogs with long ears, a suitable head protection may be useful in certain situations.

Note: Our article provides general information and initial guidance on ear hematomas in dogs. It is not intended to replace the independent diagnosis, treatment, and medication of your dog, and certainly not the expertise, examination, and therapy provided by your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ear Hematomas in Dogs

What is the cost of an ear hematoma surgery for dogs?

The cost of ear hematoma surgery usually amounts to approximately $420. In certain cases, the procedure can become even more expensive. To prevent such and other costs, it is advisable to take out a dog surgery insurance policy, which covers the expenses in such cases.

Can an ear hematoma in dogs be treated conservatively?

Yes, it is generally possible. If the ear hematoma is still in an early stage, the veterinarian can perform a puncture to drain the blood or tissue fluid without the need for a traditional surgery. Some practices that lean towards natural treatment methods may use leeches for this purpose. However, with conservative therapy, there is a risk of a recurring course, i.e., the return of the ear hematoma. In such cases, surgery is unavoidable.

How often should an ear hematoma be punctured?

In some cases of conservative therapy, it may be necessary to puncture the ear hematoma several times to prevent further bleeding. However, the exact frequency and when surgery is the better alternative can be best assessed by your veterinarian.

Is it allowed to pierce or treat a dog’s ear hematoma with home remedies?

An ear hematoma must never be pierced by oneself. The risk of additional damage, bleeding, and dangerous infections is far too high. Treatment with home remedies or homeopathy is not effective and is by no means recommended. As soon as you suspect that your dog has an ear hematoma, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.