Ear hematomas, also called aural hematomas, are usually caused by excessive head shaking or scratching due to an ear infection, mites, allergies, or other irritation inside the ear canal
. The vigorous head shaking can cause a blood vessel inside the ear flap to break, which leads to the swelling.
How can I treat my dogs swollen ear at home?
- Try to gently clean the area with warm water and a mild, non-stinging cleaning solution (like dilute chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine). …
- If your dog allows, place gentle pressure on the area to help it fully drain.
Can a dog ear hematoma heal on its own?
An ear hematoma is extremely painful for a dog, and the intense swelling can be alarming.
If left untreated, a hematoma will heal on its own
, but that can mean weeks of discomfort.
Why is my dogs ear swollen and puffy?
If your dog has a large puffy swelling on the ear,
it is likely an ear hematoma
. It is most likely that you will have noticed excessive shaking of the head. Ear hematomas require treatment or the ear will become severely scarred and deformed.
Why is my dog’s ear blown up like a balloon?
Aural Hematoma
in part of the pinna (ear flap)
Head shaking is usually involved in creating an aural hematoma. A large accumulation of blood under the skin makes the ear flap blow up like a pillow creating a thick, soft, heavy ear flap.
How can I treat my dogs ear infection without going to the vet?
Apple cider vinegar works by killing both yeast and bacteria
. Use a mixture of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water, soak a cotton ball and clean your dog’s ears. If you notice your dog in pain or her ears drying out too much, discontinue use and see your vet.
Can I pop my dogs ear hematoma?
No, dog ear hematomas will not burst of their own accord
. If untreated they can scar, but smaller ones may disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, leaving the ear as it was before. The only way for it to ”burst” is if your dog pierces it by scratching it.
What happens if you leave a dog ear hematoma untreated?
If left untreated,
the hematoma may be slowly reabsorbed, but the associated inflammation will have caused damage to the surrounding ear tissues resulting in a distorted, cauliflower-shaped ear
. Aural hematomas are very painful, and for humane reasons they should be treated.
What does an infected dog ear look like?
The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs. In chronic cases the ears may appear crusty or thickened and the ear canals often become narrowed (stenotic) due to the chronic inflammation.
Can I treat my dogs hematoma at home?
Draining a hematoma at home isn’t recommended
.
It may temporarily relieve your dog’s discomfort but it could also lead to infection.
How much does it cost to fix a dog’s ear hematoma?
Surgery Cost
The cost can run anywhere from
$250-$500 or more
depending on the size of the hematoma and the extent of follow-up care by your vet.
Should I massage my dogs ear hematoma?
More important than the kind of drain used is the follow-up care that the dog receives. “The main thing is that
the owners have to gently massage the ear
” to keep the hematoma draining, Dr. Kaplan explains. “If the owner the doesn’t do any home care, it’s a bloody mess.”
Can I give my dog Benadryl for an ear infection?
Unfortunately the only thing Benadryl is good for is allergic reactions and to cause drowsiness,
it has no action that will help an infection
. For ear infections your pet will require a topical pet formulated ear antibiotic that can only be purchased from your veterinarian.
Can you put peroxide in a dogs ear?
We do not recommend the use of cotton swabs, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears
. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and may worsen an ear infection.
How do you treat a dog’s swollen ear flap?
Treating ear infections may require
oral or topical antibiotics or antifungals, flushing the ear, ear cleaning, or an ear-drying solution
. If the problem is chronic, surgery could be necessary. Avoid the temptation to diagnose your dog’s ear swelling yourself.
Why are my dogs ears hot and red?
Both
bacterial and yeast ear infections
could cause a dog’s ears to be hot. You might notice your pet shaking their head or scratching at their ears more than normal. If there’s redness, inflammation, or an odor coming from their ear canal, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian to check for an ear infection.
Does ice help ear hematoma?
The only thing that you can attempt at home, that won’t do much to be honest, is to
apply a cold compress onto the ear
. See the issues is that the blood vessel in the ear has ruptured and is leaking into the ear flap.
Should I wrap my dog’s ear hematoma?
If all goes well, the ear should heal in 2-3 weeks. At the final recheck appointment, the veterinarian will remove the sutures (and the drain, if one was placed).
Another bandage may be necessary until the ear is completely healed, there’s no more drainage, and the dog is no longer shaking his head
.
How long does a hematoma last in a dog’s ear?
If a haematoma is left untreated the blood in the ear flap will separate into serum and a clot and will gradually be absorbed over a period of
10 days to 6 weeks
. This is an uncomfortable time for your dog and unfortunately some scarring will take place during this process.
