Veterinary Highlights: Less Invasive Treatment For Aural Hematomas?

A hematoma is a localized swelling that is filled with blood caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel.

A dog can develop an aural (ear) hematoma when they shake their head, particularly if the ear is irritated, such as from an ear infection.

The vigorous shaking causes the tiny blood vessels in the ear flat to rupture, causing bleeding and accumulation of blood under the skin.

The typical sure-fire treatment is surgery, as simply draining the fluid usually ends up with recurrence and/or a deformed ear, which can then be even more prone to infections.



But perhaps there is a better way?

With this method, the hematoma is drained, the pocked is flushed out to remove any debris, and then area is then injected with corticosteroid methylprednisolone acetate. It is not fool-proof but showing promise.

If a hematoma doesn't resolve with this treatment within 15 days, then the surgery is performed.

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Easier Treatment for Aural Hematomas