WHAT IS AN AURAL HEMATOMA?
A hematoma is swelling created by a broken blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside a tissue. Hematomas within the ear flaps (aural hematomas) occur when head shaking breaks a blood vessel within the ear flap. The ear flap may partially or completely swell with blood. The swelling may be so large that the opening of the ear canal is occluded. The extra weight of the ear flap may be uncomfortable and may lead to a permanent change in the carriage of the ears. This condition is more common in dogs but can occur in cats as well. The ear flap will feel fluctuant and fluid-filled, like a water balloon. WHAT DO WE DO TO RELIEVE IT? There are several options when dealing with hematomas. Unfortunately, because they are usually caused by the dog shaking its head due to an ear infection, hematomas often recur regardless of what we do. The following are two commonly performed procedures: ASPIRATION This procedure involves simply using a syringe to remove the fluid contents of the hematoma.
