Aural haematoma

Overview

A blood vessel inside the ear flap ruptures — almost always because the dog has been shaking its head or scratching hard at an itchy, infected ear — and the flap fills with blood like a cushion. It is a consequence, not a primary disease, and this is the point most often missed: draining the swelling without treating the ear infection or allergy that caused the head-shaking guarantees it returns. Long-eared breeds (Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Labrador) and dogs with allergic or yeast-driven ear disease are typical. Left alone it will eventually resolve, but by scarring into a permanently thickened, crumpled 'cauliflower ear'. A vet drains or surgically manages the flap AND investigates the underlying ear disease — both, or neither is worth doing.

What you would notice

• A soft, fluid-filled, pillow-like swelling of the ear flap
• Persistent head-shaking or ear-scratching, usually preceding it
• The ear carried lower than usual; discomfort when touched
• Often an underlying ear infection with discharge or odour

Sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com)
• MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com)

← All conditions