Ear Hematoma in Dogs

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 09/30/2015Updated: 09/09/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Ear Hematoma in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Ear Hematoma?

A hematoma is defined as swelling created by a broken blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside a tissue. Auricular or ear hematomas are fluid-filled swellings of various sizes that develop on the concave surface of ear of dogs, cats, and pigs. The condition is far more common in dogs than cats. The pathogenesis for the development of the lesions is not completely understood, but head shaking or ear scratching due to itching is thought to be the main cause. In dogs, the condition is frequently related to the presence of otitis externa (inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal, the auricle, or both). Treatment of ear hematomas usually requires a surgical intervention and medication to treat otitis externa. 


Ear hematoma's are fluid-filled pockets on the inside of the earflap. When something causes vessels to rupture, they bleed under the skin and form a fluid-filled pocket. Ear hematomas are commonly seen in floppy-eared dogs, but they can occur in any breed. A problem with a dogs ear is usually quite visible and a quick check-in with a veterinarian can confirm presence of a hematoma.

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Ear Hematoma Average Cost

From 109 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500

Average Cost

$500

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Symptoms of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

Dogs with this condition will present with a soft fluid-filled swelling in one or the two ears. The earflap will feel fluctuant, like a water balloon because it may be partially or completely swell with blood. The swelling will vary in size, in some cases it may be so large that the opening of the ear canal is blocked. The extra weight of the earflap may be uncomfortable for the animal and it may lead to a permanent change in the shape of the ears. Most animals will show signs of pruritus (itching) like head shaking and ear scratching.

Causes of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

  • Otitis externa and trauma - It is thought that the presence of otitis externa leads to head shaking, which in turn, can lead to trauma. Head shaking can cause separation of the skin of the external ear cartilage, leading to vessel rupture and hematoma formation. However, hematomas may be found in cases where there is no obvious ear disease or trauma and be absent in cases of extreme otitis externa or pruritus, for example, in cases of Sarcoptes infestation.
  • Autoimmunity - In 1986 Kuwahara proposed that the development of aural hematoma formation was due to an immune mediated process, based on the results of testing 40 affected dogs. However, there has been contradictory evidence for this theory.

Diagnosis of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

Diagnosis of ear hematoma is based on the presence of unilateral or bilateral soft ear swelling that is filled with blood or bloody fluid. The veterinarian will collect a sample of the fluid inside of the swelling using fine needle aspiration in order to make the diagnosis. In addition, it is important to diagnose what is causing the condition. Otitis externa can be diagnosed if there is bad odor on the ears, excessive secretion, and/or inflammation. A bacterial culture and other laboratory analysis may be needed to determine what is causing the otitis and to choose the best treatment option available. The canal must be visually examined with an otoscope.

Treatment of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

Any underlying ear infection needs to be addressed.

Mild heamatomas may be drained with a needle in the conscious pet but re-filling is relatively common. Injecting the area with steroids may prevent re-filling.

Ear hematomas usually require surgical treatment. The surgery requires general anesthesia and consists of making an incision in the affected ear in order to drain all the fluid that has been accumulated between the skin and the auricular cartilage. Several sutures (the amount will vary depending on the size of the hematoma) are placed parallel to the line of incision to minimize the chance of damaging the ear blood vessels and to promote adhesion of the skin to the ear cartilage. The incision will remain open to allow drainage of the ear. Some veterinarians will place a pressure wrap for seven days on the ear to promote further drainage and prevent re-accumulation of fluid in the ear. Pressure wraps following surgery is not usually required in cats, and is not often tolerated. Sutures will be removed 14-21 days after the surgery. The veterinarian will prescribe pain medication, antibiotics and other medication required to treat otitis externa, if present.

This procedure is relatively safe and animals have a good prognosis, however, there are some risks associated to general anesthesia as with any other surgery. Early diagnosis and intervention ensures a good outcome so it is essential to contact the veterinarian as soon as you observe signs of ear hematoma.

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Recovery of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

After the surgery the veterinarian will give you indications about the postoperative care and monitoring. Some of the recommendations may include:

  • The ear canal should be cleaned, dried and treated with an appropriate medication at the end of the procedure.
  • Clean the incision and massage out any small pockets of fluid that accumulate postoperatively.
  • Using an Elizabethan collar until the sutures are removed and the hematoma and otitis externa are resolved.
  • Adequate treatment and consistent follow-up of otitis externa, if present.

The prognosis for resolution of aural hematomas is good, but recurrence is more likely if underlying otitis externa is not treated and controlled. Once a hematoma has occurred in one ear, the other ear should be closely examined for otitis. Adequate treatment of otitis externa and close monitoring is essential to prevent pruritus and head shaking, which may lead to recurrent ear hematoma development.

Ear Hematoma Average Cost

From 109 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500

Average Cost

$500

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Ear Hematoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Pomeranian

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Brownie

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3 Months

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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
Swelling
My dog has a medium sized hematoma, right now I don't have the budget to go to the vet. Is this an emergency or can I wait a few weeks to take him to the vet or is there a treatment method I could do myself at home?

Nov. 11, 2017

0 Recommendations

The problem with aural haematomas is that the weight of them can irritate a dog so they shake their head more which can cause a more severe haematoma. Some owners try to fix haematomas themselves at home but the majority of times they end up causing more harm than good. I would speak with a charity clinic in your area or a nonprofit which may be able to assist you with the cost of surgery. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Nov. 11, 2017

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Goldendoodle

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Finn

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7 years

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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My dog had hematoma surgery on his ear a week ago. He’s been tilting his head to the side when he walks and it seems to have gotten worse. He cannot walk without having to turn his head to the side of his ear that he had surgery on. We took him to the vet and was told that he’s just in pain and that his ear looked fine. They didn’t say to clean around the stitches or anything. When you look inside you can tell it’s oozing some. It is just heartbreaking seeing him not be able to walk straight and it’s been over a week now since surgery. Is this normal? Should we get a second opinion?

Nov. 10, 2017


2 Recommendations

It is normal for a dog to feel discomfort after surgery and the oozing is normal too; unfortunately sometimes it takes a while for a dog to recover. A week post surgery is still early days, but if you have concerns it may be worth getting a second opinion to put your mind at rest. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Nov. 10, 2017

My 6 year old chocolate lab also had an ear hematoma and had surgery about 1 week ago. He's also been tilting his head when he walks and its so sad. I even got pain medication for him after the vet had said it looked fine when I went back in a couple days later and asked him about it. I give him the pain meds and he still seems like he's in pain. He also has small tubes stitched into his outer part of his ear, one of them looks like its literally digging into the flap of his ear and he also said it was fine. I've been worried about the tilting and the fact that the tube is literally halfway into his ear now and that is not how it looked on the first day of surgery. There's also a small amount of yellow discharge oozing out when I squeeze on his flap with gauze and hydrogen peroxide. I'm wondering if I should be worried?

Feb. 9, 2018

Nanette Y.

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Ear Hematoma Average Cost

From 109 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500

Average Cost

$500

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