How to Treat Aural Hematomas in Dogs
Talk to your vet about using a needle to remove the blood., Bring your dog back to the vet’s office a week after the blood is drained., Continue to bring your dog back every week until the blood stops refilling the ear.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Talk to your vet about using a needle to remove the blood.
Medical correction involves removing the blood from the hematoma pocket by sucking it out using a needle and syringe.
The syringe is disconnected from the needle which is left in place in the ear.
A small volume of injectable steroid (5 ml of dexamethasone) is then instilled into the dead space via the needle.The needle is then removed from the ear and gentle pressure is applied with a finger and thumb over the pinprick, for 30 seconds or so, to encourage the hole to seal over. -
Step 2: Bring your dog back to the vet’s office a week after the blood is drained.
Your dog will not have to wear a buster collar (the large cones that look keep your dog from pulling out stitches).
This is because there are no stitches to pull out.
When you bring your dog back in, the vet will check to see if the ear has refilled with blood.
If it has, the procedure will need to be repeated.
Approximately 50% of cases need a repeat procedure., If the ear has refilled again, the procedure will need to be repeated again.
If it continues on like this for many weeks, surgery may be considered as an alternative, and more permanent, treatment. -
Step 3: Continue to bring your dog back every week until the blood stops refilling the ear.
Detailed Guide
Medical correction involves removing the blood from the hematoma pocket by sucking it out using a needle and syringe.
The syringe is disconnected from the needle which is left in place in the ear.
A small volume of injectable steroid (5 ml of dexamethasone) is then instilled into the dead space via the needle.The needle is then removed from the ear and gentle pressure is applied with a finger and thumb over the pinprick, for 30 seconds or so, to encourage the hole to seal over.
Your dog will not have to wear a buster collar (the large cones that look keep your dog from pulling out stitches).
This is because there are no stitches to pull out.
When you bring your dog back in, the vet will check to see if the ear has refilled with blood.
If it has, the procedure will need to be repeated.
Approximately 50% of cases need a repeat procedure., If the ear has refilled again, the procedure will need to be repeated again.
If it continues on like this for many weeks, surgery may be considered as an alternative, and more permanent, treatment.
About the Author
Christine Hall
A seasoned expert in arts and creative design, Christine Hall combines 25 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Christine's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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