What is an aural haematoma?
Aural hematomas are collections of fresh or clotted blood within the pinna (ear flap). When there is a hematoma, the ear flap becomes very thick and spongy. The swelling could affect the entire ear flap or just one area of the ear.
So then what causes an aural hematoma?
It is usually the result of a self-inflicted injury caused by your pet's scratching and head shaking. All conditions that cause otitis externa are among the underlying causes (infection of the external ear canal).
Sources of irritation to the ear linked to the development of an aural hematoma include:
inflammation
immune-mediated diseases
allergies
parasites
foreign bodies
trauma (bite wound or blunt trauma)
SYMPTOMS
A swollen, droopy earflap (that develops very suddenly)
Redness, heat, and pain
Head shaking
Ear scratching
Head tilt (holding the head to one side)
ARE THERE TREATMENTS FOR IT?
Aural hematoma treatment options include needle aspiration of the blood and any clots that have formed in the ear flap, as well as surgical drainage. Because needle aspiration is usually only a temporary fix, surgery is preferred.
CAN THE AURAL HAEMATOMA HEAL ON ITS OWN?
Without treatment, an ear hematoma will eventually heal on its own, but the pet will often be in pain for weeks. Furthermore, the two sides of the ear frequently form thickened, wrinkled scar tissue, making the ear look and feel unnatural. This cosmetic issue may be insignificant to the owner. If a hematoma is not treated, the blood in the ear flap will separate into serum and a clot and will be absorbed gradually over a 10 to 6-week period.
ARE THERE ANY PREVENTION METHODS?
Because scratching and head shaking are by far the most common causes of ear hematomas, the best way to prevent ear hematomas is to keep your pet's ears clean and healthy. Consult your veterinarian for advice on your pet's ears, as care instructions vary greatly from dog to dog.
POST-CARE OF AURAL HEMATOMA TIPS
Post-operative care keeps the swelling from returning. Pet owners should take the following precautions at home:
As directed by your veterinarian, clean your pet's ear.
If your veterinarian uses a head cone on your pet, make sure they wear it at all times until you receive further instructions from the veterinarian.
Keep track of their symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and redness. The ear of your pet may bleed slightly. If the bleeding is severe, contact your veterinarian.
Make certain that your pet receives all of its medications on time.
Most pets with aural hematomas recover completely within a week or two.
- Done by Ang Adonicelle Bosque
RESOURCES:
https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/aural-hematoma
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/aural-haematoma-in-dogs
https://cat-world.com/ear-hematoma-in-cats/
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/what-is-aural-hematoma-cats
https://bondvet.com/b/soft-tissue-surgery-aural-hematomas-in-dogs#:~:text=Can%20aural%20hematomas%20be%20prevented,lot%20from%20dog%20to%20dog.
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