Televets

• Home
• »
• Pet Questions
• »
• Dogs
• »
• View Question

Aural Hematoma

Nash

It appears Nash has an hematoma on his ear. I am familiar with this as he had one a year ago on his other ear. Ear flap swells up. This one though started slow and didn't appear fluid filled anitially (more solid)and the vet thought it could be from an allergic reaction to something such as a bug bite and suggested benadryl for a while. I was told that if it continued to swell and appeared fluid filled that it would most likely be a hematoma. The previous hematoma on the other ear was drained once or twice, and each time it re-filled. I elected after discussing with vet to just let it subside on it's own with the knowledge there would be some deformity of the ear cosmetically. Which was fine with me.

My question is more of a second opinion one in general. Are there any draw backs to just letting the swelling go down on it's own other than the deformity? He seems to be in slight discomfort currently and was also wondering whether there is anything I could give for pain either OTC or prescription? Any comments appreciated.

Thanks

Attached image (click to zoom):

• Veteran Advisor Angela Spar says:

  February 18th, 2008 at 06:53 PM

  Aural hematomas are very frustrating to deal with. They often have an underlying cause related to allergies, trauma or ear infections.

  If you decide to leave the ear alone and do nothing you will find proabably yes eventually it will go down but there will be a lot of scarring and could become a hard calcified shrivelled cauliflower ear. When ears get to that stage, they can be painful and more prone to ear infection as the ear flap is often curled over
  .

  There are many ways of treating this kind of ear problem, but it nearly always involves trying to treat the inderlying cause ( ie ear infection, allergies). Each vet has their own preference of treatment plan. I for example will usually drain to the ear up to a maximum of 3 times and check them every 3 days( the patient is usually on steroids +/- antibiotics too) if after the 3rd time it is still present then I put a stent drain in or put a big slice in the ear and suture part of it.

  Ice packs may help a little at home to stop it filling up at home so quickly but I really think your dog should be seen by your vet. There is nothing OTC that I can think of that will help.

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:

  

• Tom says:

  February 18th, 2008 at 08:03 PM

  Initially I did see my vet. But at that point the ear was inflammed but not puffy and did not seem fluid filled. Now it seems to be filling more with fluid. My vet expressed not much success with drainage as the ear usually fills back up. Was not aware of the stent drain that can be installed. Is a procedure like that expensive? I know all to well about the "cauliflower ear" as he has one on the other ear from letting it drain on it's own. Although unsightly, he has not had any problems with infections at all in either ear. I will consult my vet as he seems to be in a bit of discomfort at the moment.

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:
  

• Veteran Advisor Angela Spar says:

  February 18th, 2008 at 08:25 PM

  The stent if applied is often left in for anywhere from 3- 7 days ( depends when it stops draining). As I said these are very frustrating to treat as they do often fill back up! Its rare though that I ever need to use the stent as they have usually cleared up after 3 draning sessions along with the steroids.

  the stent is more expensive than just draining it. in our clinic it could cost any where from about $350-500 depending on if general or local anaesthesia is needed .

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:

  

• Tom says:

  February 18th, 2008 at 08:54 PM

  Thanks for your advice, much appreciated. Tom

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:
  

• Veteran Advisor Angela Spar says:

  February 18th, 2008 at 10:30 PM

  your welcome, good luck with the ear

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer: