What is a Aural Hematoma?

An aural hematoma is a painful condition afflicting cats and dogs that occurs when blood pools in the ear’s cartilage layers. The animal may shake its head repeatedly and constantly, and the ear may be painful to the touch. Swollen lumps of fluid can also be visible on the underside of the pinna, the outer part of the ear. The cause of aural hematoma is not well understood, but without treatment the swelling can leave the affected ear deformed.

Head shaking is the most common symptom of aural hematoma. The affected animal will shake its head vigorously and constantly and engage in frequent ear scratching and rubbing. If its ears also cause pain when touched, a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible. Aural hematoma is not life threatening but can be extremely painful for the animal.

A veterinarian will examine the animal’s ears for any physical signs of aural hematoma. Signs include fluid-filled swelling on the ear’s inner surface that can become firm and thick. An ear infection, ear mites, or foreign material may also be present. If the veterinarian suspects a disease other than aural hematoma, he or she may order a radiograph of the animal’s skull.

Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the disease. Aspirating the pooling blood is less invasive but is not a permanent solution. The chance of future occurrences is higher. As a result, surgery is commonly recommended as the most effective and lasting treatment.

The goals of surgery for aural hematoma are to remove the swelling and avoid recurrence and deformation of the ear. An incision is made on the pinna, the cartilage is exposed, and the blood inside the swelling is removed. Sutures are removed after two weeks.

Many cases of aural hematoma are accompanied by an ear infection or mites. An ear infection can be the result of bacteria or yeast in the ear. Oral antibiotics are generally recommended to treat the underlying ear infection. If ear mites are present, a veterinarian will typically flush the ears with an anti-parasite solution.

An ear deformity known as cauliflower ear will usually result when the condition is left undetected and untreated. The hematoma’s fluid-filled swelling becomes thick and firm over time, deforming the ear. The ear will be lumpy and swollen like a piece of cauliflower.

The prognosis is generally good for recovery, but a recurrence is always possible. Animals should be inspected weekly for signs of inflammation, swelling, and pain. Pet owners should avoid probing the animal’s ear on their own to prevent inadvertently damaging the ear drum or canal. A veterinarian will be able to examine the ears safely.

An aural hematoma is a condition where blood collects between the skin and cartilage of an animal's ear flap, typically in dogs. It's caused by broken blood vessels, often due to vigorous head shaking or scratching at the ear, which can be triggered by infections, allergies, or parasites. The swelling can be painful and may cause the ear to appear misshapen.

Treatment options for aural hematomas include surgical drainage, where a veterinarian makes an incision to release the blood and may place sutures to prevent re-accumulation. Less invasive treatments involve aspirating the blood with a needle. Some vets may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Post-treatment, addressing the underlying cause is crucial to prevent recurrence.

While an aural hematoma may eventually heal without intervention, it's not advisable to leave it untreated. Healing on its own can take weeks to months and can result in a deformed ear, known as "cauliflower ear." Moreover, the animal may experience ongoing discomfort. Veterinary treatment can expedite healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Signs of an aural hematoma include a swollen, fluid-filled ear flap that may feel warm to the touch. The animal may exhibit signs of pain or discomfort, such as head shaking, ear scratching, or whining. In some cases, the ear may droop due to the weight of the collected blood.

While any breed can develop an aural hematoma, breeds with long, floppy ears like Basset Hounds or Cocker Spaniels are more susceptible. Their ear structure can lead to less air circulation within the ear canal, creating a moist environment conducive to infections and irritation, which can precipitate the head shaking that often leads to hematomas.

Preventing aural hematomas involves addressing the underlying causes that lead to ear trauma. Regular ear cleaning, prompt treatment of ear infections, and controlling allergies or parasites can reduce the likelihood of an animal developing a hematoma. Additionally, using appropriate collars and avoiding rough play can minimize the risk of ear injury.