Aural Hematoma Repair To Prevent Inflammation Of The Ear Canal

A surgical procedure to treat the aural hematoma. A faster treatment leads to minimal scar formation and the prevention of heavy ear flaps and discomfort.

When the collection of blood occurs within the cartilage of the ear’s skin, it is known as an aural hematoma. In several cases, this disease arises due to self-inflicted injury when the animal scratches or shakes its head. As a result of the infection, allergic skin, ear mites, a foreign body lodged, or inflammation occurs on the external ear canal.

Not only that, the aural hematomas occur due to accidental injury or bump into the ear flap. It can take a vigorous role if your pet runs around the bushes and gets scrappy ears through a bush. On the other side, a bite wound by any other dog or wild animal can be a major cause of hematoma. In rare cases, the health conditions that can cause blood clotting to lead to hematomas in the ear flaps. Here we are going to explain how to treat, cause, prevention, and much more about aural hematoma. Read on!

How To Depict The Aural Hematoma?

In a pet dog or cat, the ear hematoma will make their ear flap heavy and swollen. If the scratch is just showing on one side of the pinna, the swelling will not be large. On the other hand, if the whole ear flap has scratches or lesions, then the ear flap will droop and does not stand up straight due to larger swelling. Likewise, the hematoma will be providing a squishy feel. More than that, the pressure on the ear caused by this disease will irritate and hurt the pet.
Hence, the veterinarian will take a closer look at the inner side of the pet’s ears. To examine hematomas, the veterinary doctor can take a needle sample to assure the presence of blood on the swollen area. Also, they can rule out the other aspects, such as the swelling cause or the mass on the pet’s ear. Sometimes, the swelling on the ear can be due to a bee sting.

Right Time For Treating Hematoma

A small hematoma is not a huge problem, but it should not require repairing. For instance, there are some tough situations where the hematoma requires repair. Let’s have a guise at the common symptoms that require immediate repair.

• A hematoma can easily block the ear canal but in this case infection is remediable. For instance, the hematoma should be relieved to get complete access to the ear canal.
• Another huge drawback of hematoma is that it can cause scarring at the ear canal and permanently narrow the ear canal. Besides, the narrower ear canal can cause infections to the patient at some point in their life. It is a common problem among cats.
• The hematoma should be treated if the owner feels that the pet’s ear flap is heavy and causing discomfort.
• An aural hematoma is a perfect treatment for maximizing the ability of ear flaps to make them stand up straight. Best of all, the excessive scarring on the animal’s ear can be prevented with this surgery.

Prevention Of Hematomas

The simplest way to prevent the hematoma is by keeping the ears of the pet clean and healthy as hematoma arises due to head shaking and ear scratching. Moreover, you can ask your veterinarian for the best advice because the precautions will vary from one to another pet. Some of the pets require occasional ear cleaning, while the other dogs require frequent cleaning of the ears. The pups with droopy-eared breeds such as cocker spaniels and basset hounds have a higher risk of ear infections and ear problems. Thus, the owners should look for better ear care solutions for the better health of their pets. Surgery is the best solution for the aural hematoma, and it will cost $700.00.

Surgical Treatment Of Aural Hematoma

The treatment of the aural hematoma includes needle aspiration, tube drainage systems, bandages, and incisional drainage. Besides, the major goal of the surgical treatment includes removal of the hematoma, prevention of the disease’s reoccurrence, and retainment of the natural appearance of the animals’ ears. Besides, the surgery includes making an incision on the inner side of the ear for draining the fluid. Also, the treatment includes several stitches to prevent the fluid from reoccurring back on the ears. After completing the surgery, the bandage is placed for a few days to prevent swelling, trauma, and release. 
Best of all, the surgery prevents scarring and changes on the animal’s ear flap. Besides, the hematoma should be addressed as quickly as possible. And the great news is, repairing the hematoma with surgery is the permanent solution since all the odds of the disease will be eradicated, and the ear will not feel heavy again.

Do Hematomas Heal On Their Own?

If the aural hematoma is mild, surgery is not the ideal solution. For instance, if the pet cannot take anesthesia. Your veterinarian will be using another method to remove the hematoma by using a large needle. But it will be a temporary solution, and the ear flap can be found swollen on some other day.

Likewise, when the blood clots are found inside the blood pocket, it will be quite tough and even impossible to eradicate the hematoma with the assistance of a needle only. Further, the blood clots that are too big cannot fit appropriately in the needle.
Sometimes in the case of small hematomas, your veterinarian will ask to wait and monitor the condition. Do you know that small hematoma are more common than larger ones?

Recovery After Aural Hematoma Repair Surgery

Your pet may be feeling sore for some days after the surgery, but your veterinarian will provide the pet-safe care instructions. Antibiotics are prescribed if necessary. In addition, the owner will receive an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from scratching the ear, bleeding, accidental removing of the sutures, and reduced risk of inflammation. More than that, the pets will be bandaged to provide perfect protection to the ear and to place gentle pressure.
Besides this, the vet will let you know how to take proper care and monitor the pet after taking them home and when you can come back for checking up and suture removal.

To Sum Up

Hematoma should be quickly addressed, even if it is not an emergency. The faster treatment will lead to minimal scar formation and prevention of the discomfort and heavy flaps of the ear. Additionally, the treatment of hematoma will also include the causes of the disease and prevent it from happening in the future.

If you are doubtful that your pet has an aural hematoma, visit a good veterinarian so they can analyze the issue and treat it accordingly. Hopefully, our blog has provided all the information regarding aural hematoma. Thanks for a read!