![]() The two skin layers are mobile, and when gliding on the cartilage’s surface, they can easily tear some of the blood vessels on its surface. ![]() The blood vessels are well dispersed, and some of them pass through the cartilage. The three ear flap layers are well vascularized (rich in blood vessels). The cartilage is what gives the ear its shape while the skin layers have a protective purpose. Namely, the ear flap is built of three layers of tissue – two skin layers and a central cartilage layer between the skin flaps. The anatomy of the ear plays an essential role in the hematoma’s development. To better understand what happens if your dog's aural hematoma is left untreated, it helps to take a little lesson in anatomy and what happens exactly when your dog's ear is affected by an aural hematoma. Based on how much space the accumulated blood takes, ear flap hematomas can be classified as diffuse or localized. Unilateral ear flap hematomas are much more common than bilateral ear flap hematomas. It can develop on one ear (called unilateral) or both ears (called bilateral). So what are ear hematomas? An earflap hematoma in dogs can be defined as an accumulation of blood between the ear’s tissue layers (more precisely, between the cartilage and skin). On the flip side, dogs with erect ears are less likely to experience such an issue. Ear hematomas usually occur in dogs with long and floppy ears. The most frequently reported ear flap issue is the ear flap hematoma, also known as aural hematoma. Allergy testing or a hypoallergenic food trial may also be discussed as allergies may be an underlying cause of chronic infections.Dogs are prone to a plethora of ear problems, but ear flap issues seem to be quite frequent. Many dogs need to have routine ear flushing with a prescription strength ear flush to control ear disease. These symptoms can include head shaking, scratching ear with foot, and holding the head differently. If your dog has ear infections routinely, it is important to recognize the signs. How can an aural hematoma be prevented?Īural hematomas can potentially be prevented when they occur from ear infections. ![]() Medical treatment may be possible if the hematoma is minimal in size, especially if no infection is present. Next, treatment of the ear swelling will be addressed. If a bacterial infection is present, a culture may be recommended to determine the appropriate antibiotic for the infection. If there is an infection, a cytology (microscopic exam of ear exudate) will be done to determine the cause. The first priority for treating an aural hematoma is to determine and treat the underlying cause. Laborador Retrievers are commonly seen with this problem at our hospital. Also ears of sufficient length and mass are more likely to hit the head with more force. What dogs are at risk of developing aural hematomas?ĭogs at risk of developing aural hematomas are dogs with chronic ear disease. Occasionally, trauma can be the cause of an aural hematoma. Commonly the ear will swell to roughly 3-4 times its usual size. Due to the irritation within the ear, the dog will shake the head to the point where a blood vessel inside ruptures. Most commonly this occurs in dogs due to ear infections. Duncan, DVM Spring Branch Veterinary HospitalĪn aural hematoma is a swelling of a pet’s ear due to bleeding within.
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