What Are Ear Hematomas In Dogs?

Should something cause the vessels in your dog’s ears to rupture, the bleeding can form fluid-filled sacs called hematomas. Hematomas are common in dogs with floppy ears, but dogs of any breed can get them, regardless of what kind of ears they have. They’re usually pretty easy to see, and a quick trip to your vet can confirm whether or not they’re hematomas.

Ear hematomas come in various sizes on the concave (inside) surface of your dog’s ear. Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes them, but the main cause is thought to be head shaking or ear scratching due to itching. They’re frequently found alongside ear infections, as your dog may fuss with his ears when they’re in pain.

Symptoms of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

Hematomas are soft, fluid-filled swellings that may occur on just one or both ears and will be visible to the naked eye. The affected part of the ear flap will feel similar to pressing (gently!) on a water balloon. They can become so large that the opening of the ear canal may be blocked. Ear hematomas can be uncomfortable for your dog due to the extra weight on his ear flap – and it can lead to permanent change in the shape of his ears. Take note if your dog is shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Causes of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

 – Otitis externa and trauma – It’s thought that head shaking due to the discomfort of an ear infection can lead to trauma in a dog’s ear. Head shaking can cause vessel rupture and hematoma formation. However, many hematomas have been found in cases where there is no ear disease or trauma, and there have been cases of extreme ear infection or itching that don’t cause hematomas.
 – Autoimmunity – In 1986 researchers investigated the causes of ear hematoma formation in 40 dogs. J. Kuwahara proposed that ear hematomas could be due to an immune mediated process. However, there has been evidence to disprove this theory as well.

Diagnosis of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

You vet can diagnose an ear hematoma based on the soft, fluid filled sacs that will be present on your dog’s ear. They will take a sample of the fluid inside of the swelling using a fine needle aspiration to make their diagnosis. It’s also important to diagnose what has caused the condition. Ear infection can be detected if there’s a bad odor to your dog’s ears, excessive secretion, or inflammation. A bacterial culture and other lab analysis may be used to determine what’s causing the ear infection and choose the best treatment option for your dog.

Treatment of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

Ear hematomas will usually call for surgery. It requires general anesthesia, and will consist of making an incision in the ear to drain the fluid that has collected between the skin and ear cartilage. Sutures are placed along the line of the incision to minimize the change of damaging the blood vessels and help the skin adhere to the ear cartilage. The incision will remain open, though, to allow drainage. Some vets will place a pressure wrap for a week to promote further drainage and prevent fluid from collecting in the ear again. Expect sutures to be removed 2 – 3 weeks after surgery. Your vet will prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, and other medication to treat ear infection if your dog has one.

Surgery for ear hematomas is relatively safe and most dogs heal without any trouble, but there are some risks same as 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.

Recovery of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

After surgery, your vet should give you instructions for postoperative care and monitoring your dog’s healing at home. They may recommend cleaning and drying the area, and treating with appropriate medication, massaging out any fluid that accumulates, using an e-collar, and treating ear infection.

Recurrence is more likely if an underlying ear infection is not treated and controlled. Once a hematoma has formed in one ear, the other ear should be closely examined for ear infection.