Ugh…Hematoma!

In the most simple of terms, a hematoma is simply a bruise.  A bruise is an injury of the soft tissue that does not break the skin.  Dogs often suffer from what are called ear hematomas.  An injury to the ear flap leads to a broken blood vessel that will form a hard lump in the dog’s ear.  This lump is the result of bleeding and swelling and can be quite painful to the animal.

Often this condition is caused due to another underlying condition.  For example, if the dog has an allergy or infection that causes them to scratch their ears frequently, they can injure themselves leading to a hematoma.

Dogs that have large, floppy ears are the most prone to ear hematomas.  Breeds that are especially susceptible include spaniels, hounds and setters.  Dogs with upright ears can also develop the condition, but it is much less common.  Hot, humid conditions also exacerbate the problem.  Excessive earwax buildup will also cause the dog to scratch and can lead to a hematoma.

The specific treatment for the hematoma will depend on its severity.  It might be a simple matter of a topical cream and oral antibiotics.  More severe cases could require that the hematoma be lanced and a drain be placed in the ear.  Oral cortisone products can be given in the early stages to ease the itching and prevent the dog from scratching so much.

One thing that you certainly do not want to do is ignore the problem.  What can be in the beginning a simple ailment can lead to serious infections if not treated.  The longer you let the condition develop, the more expensive it will become to treat.  A regimen of antibiotics can be obtained for just a few dollars.  The more complicated procedures can easily run into the hundreds of dollars so it’s best to treat the problem early.  If the condition isn’t dealt with, scarring can become a problem.  This will in turn lead to further problems with the dog’s ears.

Since many ear hematomas are caused by an underlying condition, it is best to have the dog checked by a vet.  Even if you can treat the hematoma yourself, there may be an infection present that can lead to long term problems if not dealt with promptly.  Even though the smaller hematomas will usually go away in a week or so, there is no guarantee that another issue isn’t present.