Ear Hematomas

We see them all the time. A hunting dog comes in with a large, soft swelling in its ear flap. It is full of blood and called an "aural (for ear) hematoma".

The cause is continual head shaking from some type of ear problem (mites, infection, etc). The dog slings its head so much that it burst a blood vessel in the ear.

There are several ways to treat them. Sometimes they require extensive surgery to drain the clotted blood and sutured through and through to prevent recurrence. Other times, we get by with just a drain installed in the area and sometimes, they respond to just medication.

If your dog shows up one day with a swollen ear, don't neglect it because if it "heals" without treatment, an ugly wrinkled ear can result which permanently disfigures the dog.

Keep in mind, the real cause of the problem is usually down in the ear. That needs to be addressed too to avoid another aural hematoma down the road.