Have you noticed a swelling or lump on the ear of your dog? You might be looking at something called a hematoma, also called an aural hematoma.

A dog ear hematoma is a blood blister that forms on the inside of the ear flap, caused when a blood vessel bursts.

Simple actions, like head shaking or ear scratching can cause hematoma in dogs when they already have an underlying issue, like an ear infection or skin problems, but usually they form after a knock or injury.

Hematomas can occur in all types of dogs, but those with droopy ears are more likely to suffer from them.

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What to do If Dog Ear Hematoma already Popped?

In case your Dog has scratched an already developed Hematoma and popped it, it should be cleaned thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol using a sterile cloth/ cotton wool – afterwards it can be wrapped with gauze or even a plaster to avoid infections. It’s very unlikely that a hematoma would pop on its own however.

It is tempting to try to treat a hematoma yourself, but that is not advised. If you aren’t sure whether your dog’s ear flap is swollen because of a hematoma or something else, read common symptoms below for a better diagnosis.

Is it dangerous If Dog’s Ear Hematoma Popped?

In simple terms, Hematoma is an accumulated sack of fluid, In extremely rare chance that it might pop on it’s own there is no real danger to your dog provided that the wound is thoroughly cleaned to avoid infection. Once the Hematoma ”pops” the accumulated blood would come out draining itself, this should be cleaned and discarded.

You should however call vet if there are any obvious signs of infections starting to appear after it has popped which can be extremely dangerous if left untreated.

What causes hematoma on dogs’ ears?

If a blood vessel in the dog’s ear bursts a hematoma can develop. As the vessel bleeds, the dog’s ear may swell like a balloon, become heavy, warm and uncomfortable.

In treating the hematoma, it is important to understand the root cause. Burst blood vessels can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

A knock or bump to the head/ear
Mites
Skin infection or irritation
Ear infection

Symptoms of a dog ear hematoma

Depending on the severity of the hematoma, your dog may or may not be acting differently to its usual self. Look out for the following symptoms to assess whether your pooch is suffering from dog ear hematoma:

A red, swollen ear flap that will be hot to the touch
The ear flap will be droopy or hang down at a slightly strange angle
Scratching of the ear
Tilting of the head
Head shaking

Treatment of dog ear hematoma

Dog hematoma treatment very much depends on the size and cause of the swelling. There are a few cases which warrant leaving the hematoma to heal on its own, but in any case, it is not a good idea to treat it yourself. Your vet can advise on the best course of action.

As well as resolving the hematoma itself, vets can address the underlying causes and prescribe to treat mites, or the irritated skin, for example, reducing the likelihood of future issues reoccurring.

If the hematoma is too large and complex to leave alone, the following options will be discussed:

Draining

This is usually done using a syringe and needle, although in some cases an indwelling plastic drain is necessary. If the swelling refills, next steps will be surgery. In some cases, a drain with negative pressure is set up to constantly suck out any liquid. This helps also bring the separated layers together again. This technique is less invasive than full surgery and does not require a general anaesthetic. It is also fairly straightforward to perform.

Surgery

Surgery involves making a slit in the ear flap to drain it before compressing it with stitches so it can’t refill. General anaesthetic is needed, the procedure is more painful and the post-op recovery time is obviously a little longer. It is the best route for achieving a flat flap again though.

Medication

Dog ear hematoma can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication. This reduces the swelling and eases the pain. If the underlying cause of the hematoma requires additional medication, the vet will prescribe that too.

If draining or surgery are the chosen route, your vet will supply a head cone to stop your pet from rubbing against the ear or causing further infection or damage to the area. The hematoma wound may continue to leak blood for a little while after treatment. If that worsens or lasts for longer than a couple of days you should contact your vet again.

Massaging the dog’s ear helps the ear get back to normal quickly and is something the owner can easily do at home.

Less traditional methods of treatment for Dog hematoma

There are also alternative methods for treating dog ear hematoma. The following are probably not going to be prescribed by your vet, but that doesn’t mean you might not want to consider them:

Holistic medicines

Homeopathic remedies, such as hypernicum and arnica, can be effective on smaller hematomas – those that take up one-fourth or less of the ear. But as time progresses, and the hematoma begins to clot and harden, homeopathy can be less effective.

Inclusion of steroids

Because eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and mast cell infiltrations have been found in hematomas some experts speculate that hematoma blood blisters may partly be due to an allergic reaction. Little data has been found to support this theory, but in some cases prescribing steroids alongside the other treatments can help reduce inflammation and resolve the hematoma.

Leeches

These wriggling black worms have been used for centuries to remove excess bloods. Because they inject numbing chemicals into the skin when they bite, no additional pain relief is needed with their use. Treatment can be slow – it might take up to a month for the swelling to properly subside – but the ear’s appearance is usually back to normal afterwards.

Is a dog ear hematoma painful

Yes, your dog’s ear will hurt and throb; particularly, if it has been caused by a bump, knock or scratching. Pain will reduce after a couple of days, but of course will return if draining or surgery are performed to treat the hematoma.

Can a dog ear hematoma heal on its own

In some cases dog ear hematoma can be left to heal on its own. The body reabsorbs the fluid and blood and the swelling subsides. In more serious cases, the ear does not revert back to its previous appearance. Also, as the cause of the hematoma can often be due to other issues, such as mites, skin or ear infections or skin irritations, it is not a good idea to ignore it. The problem is unlikely to go away.

What happens if a dog ear hematoma is left untreated

The severity of the hematoma very much decides whether leaving it untreated will cause a problem or not. The challenge with hematomas is in reattaching the skin to the ear cartilage, which separates when the flap swells with blood.

The best course of action is to get guidance from a vet. Leaving complex hematomas untreated can cause scarring, leaving a thickened, crinkly ear flap – like a rugby player with ‘cauliflower ear’. This is unsightly and can in some cases be very uncomfortable for the animal.

When to call a vet?

In all circumstances it is best to get a vet to check your dog’s ear over. Primarily to accurately diagnose that it is a hematoma, but also to establish the reason for its appearance, as well as helping with treatment.

Can a dog ear hematoma burst on its own

No, dog ear hematomas will not burst of their own accord. If untreated they can scar, but smaller ones may disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, leaving the ear as it was before. The only way for it to ”burst” is if your dog pierces it by scratching it.

How to do hematoma treatment / remedy at home

So, how do you drain a dog’s ear hematoma? If you feel you must carry out a hematoma drain at home yourself, get hold of a sterilised, surgical needle and syringe. Pierce the swelling and drain the fluid. Wash well with hydrogen peroxide , alcohol or salty water a couple of times a day until the wound has healed.

How long does it take for a dog ear hematoma to go away

Without treatment, hematomas can continue for quite a while (up to a month). Once treatment has been administered (particularly draining or surgery) the ear should heal within one to two weeks.