#AURAL HEMATOMA IN DOGS SKIN#

Once this has been applied the bandage is placed over the ear flap and around the head. An aural haematoma (blood blister of the ear) forms when one or more of these vessels rupture and the leaking blood pockets in the space between the two. The affected ear is placed over the top of the head when bandaging and a non-adhesive pad is placed over the drained area.

Once surgically drained a bandage can be used to protect the ear from contamination and self trauma after repair. Aural haematomas are blood collections affecting the concave surface of the pinna and are more commonly seen in dogs than in cats (Lanz & Wood. The most commonly used procedure involves cutting the tissue overlying the haematoma, removing the blood clots and fibrin, and holding the ear cartilage in apposition with sutures until scar tissue is formed. Haematoma must be treated soon after it occurs to prevent enlargement or fibrosis. There are many techniques that have been used surgically to treat haematoma of the ear. Surgery is the preferred means of treatment with the goal being to remove the haematoma, prevent recurrence and minimise any thickening and scarring of the ear flap. However, recurrence is common with this method of treatment. In: Current techniques in small animal surgery. Cechner P.E (1998) Suture technique for repair of aural hematoma.

#AURAL HEMATOMA IN DOGS SKIN#

Some cases can be treated medically by attempting to drain the haematoma through a hypodermic needle, and once drained injecting the ear flap with corticosteroids. Journal American Veterinary Medical Association 185(8): 873875. What are dog ear hematomas (aural hematomas) A hematoma is a localized pocket of blood that develops within an organ or tissue, sometimes referred to as a 'blood blister.' Hematomas vary in size and location, but in the case of dog ear hematomas (aural hematomas), they appear between the skin and cartilage within your pup's ear flap (pinna).

It gradually becomes firm and thickened due to fibrosis, and eventually develops a cauliflower appearance.įirstly, any underlying ear infections should be treated appropriately. Haematoma initially appears as a soft fluid filled swelling of the inside of the ear flap. Dr Jones shows you what this is, how it is caused, then 5 inexpensive home remedies to easily treat this unusual health condition. Some cases of aural haematoma formation may occur without the presence of a concurrent ear infection, and may actually be associated with increased capillary fragility. If your dog has a large swelling on his ear then he likely has an aural hematoma. The head shaking causes fracture of the cartilage in the ear flap and haematoma results from bleeding from the blood vessels within the fractured cartilage. The cause is not well understood but appears in most cases to occur as a result of head shaking or scratching at the ear resulting from soreness or irritation associated with an infection of the ear canal. Aural haematoma is the collection of blood between the cartilage and inner surface layer of the ear flap.

Aural hematoma in dogs