What is a canine aural hematoma?

A hematoma is a localized mass of blood that is confined within an organ or tissue. A hematoma is sometimes referred to as a blood blister. The most common type of hematoma in the dog is that affecting the pinna or ear flap. This is called an aural or ear hematoma.

1. How do you treat an aural hematoma on a dog?
2. Can Dog ear hematoma heal itself?
3. Do aural hematomas hurt dogs?
4. Do aural hematomas go away on their own?
5. Can I drain my dogs aural hematoma?
6. Is aural hematoma an emergency?
7. Will dogs ear stand up after hematoma?
8. How long does it take for a hematoma on a dog's ear to heal?
9. What happens if you don't drain a dog ear hematoma?
10. Should I wrap my dogs ear hematoma?
11. Can I drain a hematoma myself?
12. How much does a vet charge to drain a hematoma?
13. What causes dog hematoma?
14. Is it normal for a hematoma to harden?

How do you treat an aural hematoma on a dog?

Surgery is the most common treatment choice for recurrent or persistent hematoma in dogs and cats (6). The most commonly reported approach is a linear incision with sutures (6). All surgical approaches are performed under heavy sedation or general anesthetic, and the pinna is aseptically prepared.

Can Dog ear hematoma heal itself?

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.

Do aural hematomas hurt dogs?

Eventually, the blood in the hematoma will clot and consolidate. The ear will shrivel and create a cauliflower ear. An ear hematoma is uncomfortable as the ear becomes heavy with blood, and the constant head shaking could cause a hematoma in the other ear to form. This is why few clients choose this option.

Do aural hematomas go away on their own?

Left untreated, an ear hematoma will eventually heal on its own, but the pet will experience discomfort for weeks. Both sides of the ear will often form thickened, wrinkled scar tissue, so the ear won't look or feel natural.

Can I drain my dogs aural hematoma?

Can I drain my dog's haematoma? No, never try to drain an aural haematoma at home – you could cause further injury or infection.

Is aural hematoma an emergency?

While a hematoma isn't an emergency, it should be addressed as soon as possible. Faster treatment will minimize scar formation and prevent the discomfort of pressure and a heavy ear flap.

Will dogs ear stand up after hematoma?

The hematoma should be repaired if the owner feels the heavy ear flap is unacceptably uncomfortable for the pet. The hematoma may be repaired to maximize the ability of the ear flap to stand up straight after hematoma resolution or to prevent excessive scarring in the ear flap for cosmetic reasons.

How long does it take for a hematoma on a dog's ear to heal?

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.

What happens if you don't drain a dog ear hematoma?

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.

Should I wrap my dogs ear hematoma?

The ear should stay clean and dry. Bandage: If possible, please keep the bandage on for another 3 days. The bandage helps apply pressure to the repaired hematoma and also prevents your pet from causing further injury by shaking the ear.

Can I drain a hematoma myself?

If blood is spontaneously draining from the hematoma, drainage of subungual hematoma is generally not required. You should not try draining your subungual hematoma at home as improper drainage may result in infections or permanent damage to the nail bed.

How much does a vet charge to drain a hematoma?

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. Having pet insurance can be a smart way to avoid unexpected treatment costs, like dog ear hematoma surgery or even more serious conditions that could arise at any time.

What causes dog hematoma?

Most hematomas are caused by trauma, but some dogs may develop them due to a clotting disorder. Hematomas on organs or in the brain can lead to more serious medical conditions, but most subdermal hematomas are not serious. Your veterinarian can assess how serious the hematoma is and determine if treatment is needed.

Is it normal for a hematoma to harden?

Many injuries can develop a hematoma and give the area a firm, lumpy appearance. If you have an injury, you might have more than a bruise. It's important to see your doctor if your bruise swells or becomes a firm lump, because it might mean something more severe happened under the skin.