Hematoma in the ear is the creation of swelling due to bleeding into the tissues from broken vessels. Hematoma in the ear usually occurs after vigorous shaking of the head due to a foreign body entering the ear or due to some chronic infection in the ear. The hematoma in the ear may be partially or completely filled with blood. The swelling can be so great that it can even lead to the opening of the ear. The extra weight on the ear causes discomfort and can lead to permanent damage to the outer ear. The ear will appear full of fluid and give the feeling of a balloon filled with water as you can see in the image below.
WHAT ARE WE DOING TO FIX IT?
There are many ways veterinarians can correct ear hematoma. Below we will mention the most common methods.
METHOD WITH SEAMS
Here an incision is made in the inner ear to clear the hematoma of fluids. To prevent refilling at the hematoma site, multiple sutures are placed throughout the depth of the ear either horizontally or vertically. Sometimes a bandage may be applied postoperatively. Sutures are generally left in for 7 days to allow for good healing and to prevent refilling of the empty space created by the hematoma.
CLOSED OR OPEN TUBE INSTALLATION
There is a type of tube used to treat mastitis in cows to allow the infected milk to be expelled from the udder. This tube can be used for hematoma of the ear by placing it inside the ear if there is enough space for it thus allowing large quantities of liquid to escape from the interior. So that the ear can heal in the next 2-3 weeks. This method is generally successful but usually most dogs do not tolerate having a foreign body inserted into their ear for a few weeks.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS AN EAR INFECTION?
There is usually a reason why the dog shakes its head: otitis, a foreign body. This means that the otitis should be treated at the same time as the hematoma. The ear should be cleaned, the contents examined microscopically, and appropriate treatment is given.
In the image below we see one of the causes of the Malassezia fungus which causes otitis and is one of the most common causes of hematoma.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE LEAVE IT WITHOUT TREATMENT?
If we leave it without doing anything, the hematoma will resolve on its own. The fluids will be reabsorbed back into the body and the ear will no longer be normal. The problem is that during the healing process a large scar is created and the ear after that is not at all cosmetically presentable (it will look like a cauliflower). Dissolving a large hematoma can take months and probably during this time our pet will feel uncomfortable. If the patient is in good condition and there is no risk of anesthesia then it is reasonable to perform an operation.
Dr. Natalia Kyprianou
