Causes of ear hematoma in dogs

Ear hematoma in dogs is a swelling caused by rupture of blood vessels in the ear and blood accumulation between the ear cartilage and the skin on the inside of the auricle. Most are unilateral ear hematomas, and a few are bilateral ear hematomas. Most affected breeds are lop-eared dogs, such as Pekingese, Labrador, Chow Chow, Golden Retriever, etc.

Symptoms and diagnosis of dog ear hematoma

1. When the owner touches the dog's ear, he will find a small hematoma. As the blood accumulates in the auricle of the affected ear, the affected ear will be visible to the naked eye. The pinna is swollen and drooping, the ears on both sides are asymmetrical, and the skin of the auricle turns dark red. At this time, the sick dogs often have obvious symptoms of shaking their heads and shaking their ears due to discomfort.

2. Hematoma is common when the blood vessels on the inside of the auricle are ruptured. When the affected ear is touched, the dog will refuse to check due to pain. The affected ear will feel warm and fluctuating when touched.

3. When the internal auricular artery along the outside of the auricle cartilage is injured, similar swelling can form on the outside of the auricle, but it is relatively rare. Auricular hematoma generally does not affect hearing unless the swelling severely blocks the ear canal, which can cause hearing loss.

Treatment of dog ear hematoma

Except for those hematomas that can disappear on their own, it is recommended to send them to a pet hospital for treatment.

1. Early localized small hematomas can be treated conservatively, and the cure rate is about 60%;

2. Large ear hematomas in the middle and late stages require prompt surgical treatment, and the cure rate is about 90%.

Prevention of dog ear hematoma

1. Avoid mechanical damage, such as dog bites, scratches, etc.;

2. Avoid ear diseases in dogs, such as otitis externa, ear itching caused by ear mites, ticks or bacteria, which may cause blood vessels in dogs to shake their ears violently, scratch their hind limbs, rub their ears, etc. Ear blood vessel rupture caused by injury;

3. Clean and care for the dog’s ear canal on a daily basis.