Dogs with long floppy ears are more likely to get ear infections than those with upright ears.  Bacteria and yeast thrives in this warm moist environment.

 Itchy or painful ears often result in the animal pawing at the ears or swinging the head around in an effort to relieve the discomfort.  This swinging and scratching can cause an ear hematoma.

 The hematoma is characterized by firm, fluid filled lump on the earflap. Typically it appears on concave (inside) part of the earflap, is often red, and feels warm to the touch.   It caused by ruptured blood vessels bleeding under the skin and forming a pocket of blood.

 The doctor may choose to aspirate some of the fluid from the lump.  Microscopic examination of the fluid can confirm the diagnosis of ear hematoma.

 Treatment is two-fold.  Surgically repair the hematoma, and treat the infection that caused this self-induced trauma.  The surgical procedure requires that the pet be sedated. Then the hematoma opened and drained.  Multiple stitches are required to seal the ear back together.  Sutures are typically removed 10 days later after the ear has properly drained and healed.  The doctor may also prescribe medications for the ear infection.

 Failure to treat a hematoma can lead to swelling of the entire earflap.  Also, scar tissue formation within the hematoma will result in a severely wrinkled, thickened earflap that will predispose the dog to further ear problems.

 Of course, the best treatment is prevention.  Keeping your pets ears clean is one of the best methods of preventing ear infections.  Preventing infections reduces the likelihood of ear hematomas. Our staff will gladly show you how to clean your pets ears.  Ask them to teach you how the next time you are in.