Auricular Hematoma

An auricular hematoma is an accumulation of blood within the cartilage of the pinna (floppy part) of the ear caused by violent head shaking, scratching and other trauma. Auricular hematoma is seen in dogs and less frequently, cats.

Underlying causes of auricular hematomas are inflammatory conditions affecting the pinna or external ear canal such as those associated with foxtails, environmental and food allergies, bacterial and yeast infections and ear mites. Diagnosis of these causes involves cytology of the ear canal, skin scrapes of the pinna and occasionally specialized allergy tests.

Treatment must include identification and treatment of the underlying cause of the hematoma to minimize recurrence. The auricular hematoma itself is drained surgically and special sutures are placed to ensure opposition of the cartilage sheets for the length of time necessary to facilitate healing. Sutures are left in place for a minimum of three weeks. Weekly re-checks are necessary to ensure that healing is progressing and that the ear is not becoming infected. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed for two to three weeks and an injection of steroids is given to eliminate inflammation and pain. This is especially important because it allows the pet to experience less discomfort and hence stop shaking the head and scratching the ears.

Sometimes surgery is not an option for one reason or another. If the hematoma is not treated, it will begin to consolidate and in time will scar down into a “cauliflower ear”. This process takes time and while consolidation occurs, there will be discomfort for your pet and there is an increased chance of infection. These can be managed in these cases with anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics when necessary.