Ear Tumors in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 11/27/2016Updated: 05/13/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Ear Tumors in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What are Ear Tumors?
If your pet has an ear tumor, it may be asymptomatic until it gets big enough to cause symptoms or unless it is visible. The majority of ear tumors are not cancerous and some do not even need treatment unless they are causing problems or pain in your dog. However, many veterinarians believe that it is best to remove ear tumors, whether they are in the tissues, bones, or glands, or need to be removed to prevent infection, pain, and growth. The tumors of the ear are most often small lumps on stalks growing from the skin (polyps), but they may also be a large mass in the ear, or just a flat discolored lesion. They can be black, purple, pink, white, or brown and they may be filled with blood, oil, or pus, depending on the location. Dogs with long, floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Golden Retrievers, are predisposed to ear tumors and having multiple ear infections may also be a risk factor.
Ear canal tumors are growths in any part of the ear, including the muscles, bones, connective tissues, oil and earwax glands, and outer, inner, and middle layer of skin. The outer ear canal and pinna area are more common locations for tumours than the inner or middle ear to find a tumor. Ear canal tumors in dogs are more likely to be benign (not cancerous) than malignant, but they should always be seen by a veterinary professional because even benign tumors can cause deafness and balance problems (among other complications) for your pet.
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Ear Tumors Average Cost
From 541 quotes ranging from $500 - $12,000
Average Cost
$3,000
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Symptoms of Ear Tumors in Dogs
The side effects of ear tumors depend on where the tumor is and how large it is. Some of the most often reported signs of ear tumors are:
  • Visible growth in the ear
  • Shaking head
  • Stumbling or falling due to lack of balance
  • Tilting the head
  • Swelling of the ear
  • Scratching or rubbing the ear
  • Whining or crying in pain when ear is touched
  • Foul smell in the ear
  • Bloody or yellow discharge
  • Chronic ear infections
Types
Most ear tumors are benign (not cancerous), but only a veterinarian professional is qualified to tell the difference. That being said, there are several types of ear tumors which include:
  • Earwax gland tumor
  • Inner ear tissue tumor
  • Middle ear tissue tumor
  • Outer ear tissue tumor
  • Tumor of the bone
Causes of Ear Tumors in Dogs
Experts are not certain what causes ear tumors, but there are several risk factors:
  • Dogs with large, floppy ears (Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Golden Retrievers)
  • History of multiple ear infections (otitis externa, otitis interna, otitis media)
  • Long-term inflammation of the ear canal
  • Repeated infestations of ear mites
  • Thickening of the ear wax for any reason (usually unknown)
Diagnosis of Ear Tumors in Dogs
To diagnose an ear tumor in your dog, your veterinarian will need to perform a thorough physical examination, including weight, blood pressure, temperature, reflexes, pupil reaction time, heart rate, respiration rate, skin and coat condition, and breath sounds. Be sure to tell the veterinarian if your dog is on any kind of medicine, whether it is prescription or over the counter drug. Also, describe the symptoms you have noticed and how long they have been going on.
General diagnostic tests will be needed, which may include a complete blood count (CBC), chemical analysis, blood gases, liver enzyme panel, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). If possible, a detailed otoscopic examination of the affected ear will be done to check for damage or any other tumors. Your dog will be sedated for this procedure as well as for the x-rays that are needed to look at the internal ear structure. In addition, an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan may be necessary for a more detailed examination. Finally, the veterinarian will do a fine needle aspiration or biopsy of the tumor to check for malignancy.
Treatment of Ear Tumors in Dogs
Treatment of the ear tumor depends on where it is and how big it is, but it usually involves surgery to remove the growth. Laser surgery is used if possible, as that is the safest choice. However, in some cases, the veterinarian may have to do a surgical excision or a total ear canal ablation (TECA), if there is extensive damage from the growth.
Total ear canal ablation (TECA)
Radiographs or CT scans are used to check the tympanic bullae and the narrowness of the ear canal. Your dog will have cultures taken to determine the most appropriate antibiotics to use to prevent further infection. TECA is the removal of the ear canal, which is done if the tumor has damaged or distorted the canal beyond repair. Your dog’s ear is opened up and the whole ear canal will be removed, including the bony part of the middle ear.
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Recovery of Ear Tumors in Dogs
The prognosis for ear tumors is good, but depends on your dog’s age, health, and where the tumor is located. As long as the tumor is benign, there is no reason to think your pet will have any lasting complications or shortened life span. In some dogs, the tumor may grow back, but this is very rare. However, if you notice another growth in the ear, be sure to call the veterinarian right away.
Ear Tumors Average Cost
From 541 quotes ranging from $500 - $12,000
Average Cost
$3,000
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Ear Tumors Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Shitzu
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Daisy
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10 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
She Eats N Play Normal
My shitzu is 10 years old. I found out she had a small tumor on her right ears 2 years ago. Her ear didn’t have infection since I clean her ears with zymox ear cleanser . I went to couple vets . Vet recommended to remove it . Last time her tumor grows bigger with infection she had tri optic oitments and antibiotics . Now I put tri optic ointment when her ear has smelll and clean it everyday She acts normal and healthy . Vets say this is a complicated surgery on her ear tumor and would take biopsy after removed it She will be 11 years old on next August I don’t want she has pain from the surgery on her age . So I just watch and see. Please advise . Thanks 🙏
July 5, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without seeing Daisy, I can't comment on whether it is okay to watch and see what happens. She could live many more years, and if the tumor is growing, it may be better to have it removed when it is more manageable. It may be a good idea to discuss the risks and benefits with a veterinarian that you trust, and let them know your concerns, and see what they think that you should do. You are obviously a good care giver, and that may make a difference in the recommendations.
July 6, 2018
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Shih Tzu
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Lucy
dog-age-icon
8 Years
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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchs At Area
My 8 year old shihtzu has a large growth in her right ear.It is black and pink in color and hairless. I have had the vet look at it before but didnt have the money to have it removed. it does not smell overly bad. she sometimes itchs that spot but it doesn't really effect her otherwise.
June 14, 2018

4 Recommendations
Surgical removal is going to be the treatment of choice, but if you’re not able to remove it all I can recommend is to keep an eye on the mass for any changes in size, shape or colour. If you’re unable to afford surgery, you should check the link below as some organisations may be able to help. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.dogingtonpost.com/need-help-with-vet-bills-or-pet-food-there-are-resources-available/
June 15, 2018
Thank you for the information. I am in Canada.
June 15, 2018
Lucy's Owner
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ShihTzu
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Sirius
dog-age-icon
12 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
He Had Some Type Of Tumor
My 12 yr old shihtzu had surgery to drain puss from his side under ear and his ear just drains. This was almost year ago and now his cheek is swollen and his ear is draining a waxy foul odor luquid.He isn’t eating much and has no pep. What should I do I am on a limited income.
June 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Sirius should be seen by a veterinarian, given the discharge and smell that you are describing. It is possible that his ear is infected, and needs to be treated. To have him seen would just involve the cost of a veterinary visit, and they can let you know any treatment options at that point. Most veterinarians try to work with your budget, and should be able to find some treatment for him.
June 11, 2018
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Pit bull
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Keirra
dog-age-icon
6 Years
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Tumor
Tumor; Bleeding
I don't know how old my daughters dog is. The Vet guessed her age at being 4 years, but she had been with us for 3 by that point and several more years with her previous owner. I guess her age to be closer to 7-10. She's a pit bull/black lab mix. She saw the vet last year for her ears. He said she has very bad allergies and prescribed an allergy med. About 2 months ago, we noticed a large growth on the inside (c. mid point) of her floppy ears. It's light pink and larger than a 50 cent all around (almost free floating, not like a flat mole but more like a balloon). It's attached by a thinner bit of skin. I took it for a tumor. She's nicked it a couple of times but it otherwise doesn't seem to give her much grief. The inside of her ears look pretty nasty though (gray to brown to black colored, scaly, dry but almost tar like in places). The growth now has a dimple on it which bleeds off and on. About an hour ago, she did something to the ear with the growth and it just started gushing blood from that dimple. I went through nearly an entire roll of cheap paper towels. My daughter doesn't get paid until the 21st (I have no income). Can the dog bleed to death from rupturing such a growth? What can I do to help her until we can get her to the vet?
June 9, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
It does seem that Keirra needs to see a veterinarian for this problem, but it is unlikely that she will lose that much blood from the tumor. Applying gentle pressure typically stops most superficial bleeding, and should help with that - gentle pressure for 5-10 minutes with your hands and a clean cloth.
June 9, 2018
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Ear Tumors Average Cost
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Average Cost
$3,000
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