🐶 Vet Guide 2025: Aural Hematomas in Dogs and Cats – Causes, Treatments & Recovery 🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Aural hematomas—those fluid-filled, swollen earflaps that suddenly appear—can be a painful surprise for both pets and their owners. Whether you're caring for a floppy-eared pup or a finicky feline, knowing how to address an aural hematoma is vital for your pet’s comfort and long-term ear health. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore what causes these hematomas, treatment options, recovery expectations, and how to prevent them from recurring. 🩺🐾

💡 What Is an Aural Hematoma?

An aural hematoma is a blood-filled swelling in the earflap (also called the pinna), caused by a ruptured blood vessel. When a dog or cat violently shakes their head—often due to an itchy or infected ear—the fragile vessels in the earflap can burst. The result? A puffy, balloon-like ear that may droop, block the ear canal, and cause obvious discomfort. 💥👂

The swelling may be partial or complete, sometimes so severe it seals off the ear canal entirely, making it impossible to examine or treat the underlying cause. Left untreated, the hematoma may eventually reabsorb, but usually not without painful complications and unsightly scarring. 😿

📋 When Does an Aural Hematoma Require Treatment?

Not every hematoma needs surgical correction, but there are clear indicators when treatment is recommended:

• 🔇 The swelling blocks the ear canal and prevents proper examination or treatment of infection
• 🎧 The hematoma is large or uncomfortable for your pet
• 🧬 The location increases the risk of scarring that could narrow the ear canal (especially in cats)
• 🐕 Cosmetic concerns, especially for breeds with upright or show-standard ears

While small hematomas might resolve on their own, the results are often less than ideal—a crumpled, deformed ear known as "cauliflower ear." 💔

🛠️ Common Treatment Options

Veterinarians have several effective ways to treat aural hematomas. The choice depends on your pet’s health, the size and location of the hematoma, and any underlying causes like infection or mites. Here are the most common methods: 🧰

1. 💉 Aspiration

This involves inserting a syringe into the hematoma and drawing out the fluid. It’s inexpensive and easy to perform but has a high rate of recurrence. The empty space often refills quickly, and repeated aspiration can increase infection risk. Useful in early, mild cases. 💧

2. 🧵 Pie-Crusting Sutures

This surgical method involves making an incision to drain the hematoma, then placing multiple stitches to “quilt” the earflat together. This prevents fluid re-accumulation and encourages smooth healing. Sutures are typically left in for about 3 weeks. 🪡

3. 🧪 Teat Cannula Placement

A small drainage device originally used in livestock, a teat cannula can be inserted into the earflap to allow continuous fluid drainage over several weeks. It’s effective but requires patience, as your pet will need to tolerate the device and some messy drainage. 🐄➡️🐶

4. 💡 Laser Therapy

Some veterinarians are using low-level laser therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing. While not yet a standard of care, it’s a promising, minimally invasive option. 🌈

🔍 Underlying Causes: Don't Miss the Root Problem

Hematomas are usually a secondary problem. The primary cause is often an ear infection or severe itchiness that leads to head shaking. 🧠

Veterinarians will clean the ears, examine them under magnification, and possibly perform a cytology (microscopic test) to identify bacteria, yeast, or ear mites. Treatment may include:

• 🧼 Ear cleaning solutions
• 💊 Topical or oral antibiotics and antifungals
• 🦟 Parasite control for ear mites

Treating the infection ensures the hematoma doesn’t return after healing. 🎯

🐱 Aural Hematomas in Cats: What’s Different?

Cats develop aural hematomas less frequently than dogs, but when they do, the situation is often more complex. Their ear cartilage is thinner and more prone to permanent deformity. 😾

Common causes include:

• 🦟 Ear mites (especially in kittens and outdoor cats)
• 🔬 Secondary bacterial or yeast infections
• 🤧 Allergies or environmental irritants

👨‍⚕️ Why Surgical Repair Is Usually Best in Cats

Due to the high risk of scarring and narrowing of the ear canal, surgery is often necessary. Left untreated, hematomas in cats can lead to life-long ear infections and cosmetic disfigurement. Post-surgical healing often requires an Elizabethan collar and 3 weeks of rest. 🛌

⏳ What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?

While some hematomas do resolve on their own over a few months, the healing process often causes heavy scarring. This leads to thickened, crumpled ears that may permanently block the canal or look cosmetically unappealing. 😟

If your pet is a poor candidate for anesthesia (due to age or other health concerns), your vet may suggest conservative treatment with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. 🧴

🔁 Aftercare and Recovery

Post-treatment care depends on the chosen procedure, but here are general tips for recovery:

• 🛏️ Keep your pet calm and restrict head shaking
• 👕 Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent scratching
• 📅 Return to the clinic for scheduled check-ups and suture removal
• 💊 Administer all prescribed medications as directed

Recovery usually takes 2–3 weeks. Expect some swelling and discharge initially, which should gradually decrease. 🐾

🧠 Prevention Tips

While not all hematomas are preventable, reducing the risk of underlying ear problems is key:

• 🧼 Clean your pet’s ears regularly using a vet-approved solution
• 🔍 Watch for early signs of infection (head shaking, odor, discharge)
• 🦟 Use parasite preventives to guard against ear mites
• 🐾 Keep long-eared dogs well-groomed and dry

If your pet has recurring ear issues, your vet may suggest regular exams or dietary adjustments, especially for pets with food or environmental allergies. 🌿

📲 How Ask A Vet Can Help

Seeing signs of an ear problem in your dog or cat? Don’t wait until a hematoma forms—get help fast. Use AskAVet.com to chat with licensed veterinarians 24/7. 🩺

Download the Ask A Vet App to:

• 📸 Send photos of your pet’s ears for fast evaluations
• 🗣️ Ask about the best ear cleaners or infection medications
• 📅 Set treatment and appointment reminders
• ❤️ Access ongoing care advice from trusted professionals

We’re here to help you protect your pet’s comfort, hearing, and happiness. 🐶📱🐱

🎯 Final Thoughts

An aural hematoma might seem like a bump in the road—but with the right care and attention, your pet can make a full, comfortable recovery. Whether it’s a head-shaking dog or a cat with a mysterious swelling, prompt veterinary care is always the best approach. 🐾💚

Have questions or need fast answers? Visit AskAVet.com or download the app today. Because when your pet’s ears hurt, we’re here to help. 🐕👂🐈