🐾🚪If you’ve ever noticed your dog or cat suddenly developing a swollen, puffy ear, they may have an aural hematoma. This common but uncomfortable condition occurs when blood collects between the layers of the ear flap, often due to head shaking or scratching.
At Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care, we see ear hematomas frequently and can help relieve your pet’s discomfort while treating the underlying cause. Here’s what you need to know about this ear issue and how we can fix it.
What is an Ear Hematoma?
An ear hematoma is a fluid-filled swelling in the ear flap, typically caused by broken blood vessels due to excessive shaking, scratching, or trauma. It feels like a soft, squishy balloon or a firm lump on the ear.
Common causes include:
🐶 Ear infections – Itchy, irritated ears cause excessive head shaking.
🐱 Allergies – Skin irritation leads to scratching, which can rupture blood vessels.
🐾 Ear mites (in cats) – These tiny parasites cause intense itching.
🚪 Trauma or injury – Rough play, fights, or accidental bumps can cause hematomas.
Signs Your Pet Has an Ear Hematoma
If your pet has an ear hematoma, you may notice:
🚑 Swelling on the ear flap – Can be soft or firm, depending on severity.
🚑 Head shaking & ear scratching – The discomfort makes them restless.
🚑 Ear sensitivity – Your pet may resist touch due to pain.
🚑 Head tilting – Pets may hold their head to one side for relief.
How We Treat Ear Hematomas at Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care
Without treatment, an ear hematoma can harden, scar, and permanently alter the shape of the ear (“cauliflower ear”). To prevent this, we offer several treatment options:
🩺 Draining the Hematoma – A temporary fix where we remove the fluid with a needle. However, hematomas often refill without additional treatment.
🪡 Surgical Repair – The most effective, long-term solution. We remove the fluid, place sutures to prevent refilling, and secure the ear to heal properly.
💊 Medications – We address the underlying cause (ear infections, allergies, mites) with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or allergy management.
🦴 Ear Bandaging – In most cases, securing the ear helps prevent reoccurrence.
What Happens After Treatment?
Your pet may need:
✔ An e-collar to prevent scratching and further damage.
✔ Follow-up visits to monitor healing.
✔ Ear infection treatment if an infection was the root cause.
Can Ear Hematomas Be Prevented?
While not always avoidable, you can lower the risk by:
✅ Treating ear infections early – Don’t ignore head shaking or smelly ears!
✅ Managing allergies – If your pet has chronic ear issues, an allergy plan may help.
✅ Keeping ears clean – Regular ear checks and cleaning (as advised by your vet) can prevent buildup.
Does Your Pet Have a Puffy Ear? We’re Here to Help!
If your pet has ear swelling, head shaking, or discomfort, don’t wait—bring them to Unleashed Veterinary Urgent Care. Our team can relieve their pain, treat the problem, and get their ears back to normal!
🏥 Call us or walk in—we’re ready when your pet needs us!