An aural haematoma is a build-up of blood between the skin and cartilage of the ear. The blood is unable to drain away, and this results in a heavy fluid filled ear which is painful. This can be due to trauma, ear infection or itchy skin.

Symptoms

• A swollen, droopy earflap (that develops suddenly)

• Redness

• Hot to touch

• Ear scratching

• Pain around head

• Head shaking

• Head tilt

They are usually very obvious and easy to diagnose. You must see a vet as there will always be a cause, and this cause needs to be identified and treated. This is often an ear infection, but there can be other causes, such as itchy skin or trauma.

They are often painful, and the animal will need treatment. The haematoma can be drained in a consult by the vet with a needle and syringe, however, recurrence is common with this technique, especially if the ear is drained too soon after the haematoma is formed or if the underlying cause isn't addressed.

If drainage isn't successful, then surgery is indicated. During surgery the ear flap is opened up by a vertical incision on the inside of the flap. Stents are then placed vertically or horizontally through the ear flap to hold the ear skin and cartilage together. The stents are kept in place with suture material and sometimes small pieces of tubing are used to prevent the sutures from damaging the ear skin. This surgery procedure is shown in the images below.

The vet places an ample number of stents so that no pockets are left in which fluid can accumulate. Generally, the stents are left in place for 7-10 days allowing the ear to heal and the underlying disease to be treated. The stents are usually removed in a consult once the vet is happy that the ear has healed and that the underlying cause has been treated.

If this article has raised any concerns about your pet, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01665 252 250.