What is Ear Hematoma?
The visible outer area of the ear that is affected by a hematoma plays an important role in hearing function. It collects sound waves, concentrates them, and funnels into the middle and inner ear. While it is possible that an ear hematoma can resolve on its own, the condition causes significant discomfort and takes a minimum of several weeks to heal. If you notice that your cat is displaying possible symptoms, a prompt visit to the vet is warranted.
Ear hematoma, also called aural hematoma or auricular hematoma, is a common ear problem in cats. It is a painful condition that results when a blood vessel ruptures and blood and fluid fill the area between the skin and cartilage in the ear. A moderate to severe swelling of the ear can occur within minutes of rupture. If not treated promptly, the condition can result in permanent deformity.
Ear Hematoma Average Cost
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Average Cost
$250
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Symptoms of Ear Hematoma in Cats
The primary symptom of ear hematoma is a swelling of the outer area of the ear. This can range from a slight bulge to an extreme swelling that resembles a balloon. The condition typically occurs on only one ear. The cat will likely display signs of pain, exhibit scratching and head shaking, and may tilt the head to one side.
Causes of Ear Hematoma in Cats
Ear hematomas are almost always preceded by another medical condition. The most common causes are:
- Chronic ear infections
- Ear mites
- Chronic allergies
- Immune disorder
- Blood clotting disorders
- Blunt trauma to skull
- Deep wounds (most often resulting from fights with other cats)
Diagnosis of Ear Hematoma in Cats
Ear hematoma in cats is easy to diagnose with a physical examination. Discovering and properly treating the underlying cause is necessary to avoid recurrence.
Treatment of Ear Hematoma in Cats
It is recommended that you seek veterinary attention for ear hematomas as soon as possible. Small hematomas often grow in size, and the larger the hematoma, the longer it will take to heal. Treating the condition quickly will result in a better chance for full recovery.
The pain caused by an ear hematoma will likely subside in a few days. If left untreated the ear will eventually reabsorb the fluid, and the condition will resolve itself. However, this is not recommended. The affected area will continue to be swollen and scar tissue will develop, leaving behind an unsightly condition that is referred to as “cauliflower ear.”
There are several treatment options available. Your veterinarian will decide which is right depending on the size of the hematoma, the length of time the ear has been affected, and his or her personal preference.
Surgery with Sutures
Surgery with sutures is the most common treatment for ear hematoma in cats. The cat is placed under anesthesia and a small cut is made to the underside of the ear. The fluid is allowed to drain out and multiple sutures are placed in the affected area. This not only treats the hematoma but also helps to prevent reoccurrence. The ear may or may not be bandaged after surgery. Stitches are removed in 2-3 weeks and as long as the underlying condition has been properly treated the animal has a good chance at full recovery.
Surgery Without Sutures
This method is very similar to the one above, with the exception of the use of sutures. After the ear has drained it is taped over a rolled bandage and left to heal. Owners will be required to be more vigilant with aftercare due to the fact that the wound has not been closed. This option is commonly used on show cats as there is less of a chance of ear deformity following treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Your veterinarian may choose this option if the hematoma is very small. A needle is inserted into the affected area to remove the fluid and a drainage tube may be inserted. This method is less effective and leaves a greater chance that the hematoma will reoccur. It is usually only recommended for animals that can’t tolerate general anesthesia.
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Recovery of Ear Hematoma in Cats
Following surgery, cats will likely be provided with pain control medications. Tranquilizers may also be used to keep the animal calm. A cone-shaped Elizabethan collar, or “e-collar”, may be placed over the head to avoid scratching or irritating the surgical site. This should be kept on until the wound is completely healed. Bandages must be kept clean and dry, and a trip to the vet may be necessary if the bandage gets wet or is otherwise damaged. Follow-up visits are needed to ensure that the condition is healing properly and that the underlying cause has been eliminated. Full recovery typically occurs in two to three weeks. If ear scratching or head shaking reoccurs, a return visit to the veterinarian will be necessary to address the underlying cause.
Ear Hematoma Average Cost
From 519 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
Top
Ear Hematoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maine Coon
Prescious Baby Boy
12 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Is it possible to treat an ear hematoma on my cat at home? I have no income, and cannot afford a vet visit. He does not have ear mites according to my last vet visit. She stated that it was likely an allergy
June 30, 2018
3 Recommendations
Sometimes ear haematomas may resolve themselves since the body will breakdown the haematoma and reabsorb it back into the body (this may lead to a crumpling of the ear); however if Precious Baby Boy shakes his head or scratches the ear the bleeding may continue. I cannot recommend any other specific treatment after from trying to stop Precious Baby Boy from causing further injury. There are charity clinics and other organisations which may be able to help with treatment, you just need to search for them. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 1, 2018
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American Shorthair
Rascal
5 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Ear Swelling
My cat was diagnosed with an ear hematoma. He is not a candidate for surgery. The vet I saw prescribed Mometamax, is this adequate for this condition. The hematoma has gotten larger and feels warm. He is not displaying any other symptoms.
June 19, 2018
3 Recommendations
It is unusual for a five year old cat to be not a suitable candidate for surgery; however your Veterinarian may have diagnosed an ear infection so prescribed Mometamax (gentamicin sulfate, mometasone furoate monohydrate and clotrimazole) to treat the infection. Ear infections may cause a cat to shake their heads which may be violent enough to cause a haematoma; if the haematoma is getting larger you should return to your Veterinarian since they generally stay the same size until the body starts to break them down and reabsorb them. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 20, 2018
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tabby
Bee
5 Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Ear Odor
Ear Swelling
There is a stray cat we have been feeding for about 4 years he is a very sweet cat. But very skiddish and feral. He let me pet him while he is eating and only me. I feed him and water give him water. He has a huge ear hematoma hot swollen. He has been shaking his head. What do I do since he is feral. Is there anything I can give him for pain. Can I try to wash his ear with warm soapy water. I’m not able to pick him. Anyway I can make him more comfortable or better or how to help fix his ear hematoma
June 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
There isn't any home treatment for a hematoma, unfortunately. He may have ear mites or an infection that has caused him to shake his head, or an infection. There are medications that you can buy at the pet store to treat ear mites in case that is the primary problem for him, and the hematoma will resolve eventually without treatment, although having him seen by a veterinarian would be better if that were at all possible. Most OTC pain medications are quite toxic for cats, so that would not be a good idea, and washing his ear with soapy water may make any infection that is there worse. If you aren't able to have him seen, I would try the OTC ear mite solution and an ear wash that you can also get at the pet store, and make sure that he is eating and drinking while the hematoma resolves. It won't be comfortable, but it will get better.
June 17, 2018
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Grey and white
Lucy
14 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Crying, Head Shaking,
Crying, Head Shaking
I'm curious if and what pain medication I can give to my cat before Her ear is drained, Thursday? She has a good-sized hematoma..crying a lot, hiding, not eating..wont be touched..please help. Today is only Sunday and our baby is miserable.
June 10, 2018
3 Recommendations
The only pain relief I can recommend over the counter would be contraindicated in this type of case because it causes thinning of the blood which may result in further bleeding leading to bigger problems with the haematoma. If you believe that Lucy is in pain, you should call your Veterinarian and they may prescribe something for her at their discretion. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 11, 2018
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Mix
Jax
13 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scratching And Flapping Ears
My 13 year old was seen by his vet 5 days ago for a medium sized hematoma in his right ear. They cultured swabs and he had a yeast infection in both ears. I was given Tresaderm drops for his ears and was told he would stop flapping when the infection stops itching him. 5 days later the hematoma is taking up his entire ear and is very warm to the touch. He’s very needy and obviously uncomfortable. Being Saturday, should I take him to the emergency clinic or is it safe to wait for my vet on Monday??
June 9, 2018
3 Recommendations
Sometimes the problem with haematomas is that the weight of the blood may cause discomfort leading to a dog shaking their head to try to get the ‘haematoma off’ which may cause further bleeding and growth due to damage of the blood clot. Most likely this will wait until Monday morning, but if he is in distress you should visit earlier. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 10, 2018
Can hematomas just be fluid sacks with no blood m? my cat Sherlock has had one come back several times in the last two weeks my vet lanced it, got the fluid out and I’ve lanced it twice since being home I’m really concerned. Yesterday I filed it with Celine after draining it. And now it’s filled again
Aug. 2, 2018
Beverly G.
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Unknown
Tom
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Head Shaking
Fluid In Ear
Twitching Ear
My cat, Tom got an ear hematoma about a year ago. We didn’t have any money to take him to the vet, so we tried treating it at home. Eventually it drained out, but his ear is all dried up and deformed looking. He is constantly shaking his head, but when he does, some type of liquid comes out of his ear. It’s clear, like water, but it gets everywhere when he shakes. We recently took him to the vet, but he said he couldn’t really do anything. I’m trying to get a second opinion. Anyone know how to fix it? Or at least get the liquid out?
Ear Hematoma Average Cost
From 519 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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