Aural Hematoma:  Ear Hematoma

Affected Animals:  Dogs and Cats

Information and Overview:   When a dog has a painful or itchy ear, it may swing its head about or scratch its ear to alleviate the discomfort. This behavior can cause trauma to the dog's pinna, or earflap, that can add even more irritation to the ear. An aural, or ear, hematoma is a swelling in the earflap resulting from an injury. When the tiny blood vessels in the ear's cartilage rupture and bleed, the hematoma - a firm, fluid - filled swelling - will appear within the dog's ear. The examining veterinarian will be able to treat this hematoma by any of several procedures that drain the fluid. Minor surgery may be required.

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