This episode explains ear haematomas in dogs and cats, what they are, how they form, why they are so painful, and the different treatment options available. The discussion covers the underlying causes such as allergies, ear mites, trauma, vasculitis, and bleeding disorders, along with what owners can expect from medical or surgical management and how to prevent recurrence.
Podcast Summary: Understanding Ear Haematomas in Pets
- An ear haematoma occurs when blood collects between the ear’s skin and cartilage, causing swelling, heat, and significant pain.
- Most haematomas are triggered by self-trauma from scratching or head shaking, often due to allergies, ear infections, ear mites, or foreign bodies like grass seeds.
- Trauma from fights, accidents, or vigorous shaking can also initiate bleeding within the ear flap.
- Some pets develop vasculitis — inflammation of ear blood vessels — making them more prone to bleeding and haematoma formation.
- Bleeding disorders, including accidental rat-bait poisoning, can cause or worsen haematomas.
- Diagnosis is essential because underlying causes such as allergies, mites, infection, or foreign material must be treated to prevent recurrence.
- Untreated haematomas form scar tissue that contracts over weeks, leaving a “cauliflower ear,” especially if swelling narrows the ear canal.
- Conservative treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroids, but success varies and recurrence is common.
- Aspiration (sucking out the fluid) rarely works long-term because the space refills unless the skin is reattached to the cartilage.
- Surgery is often recommended for moderate to large haematomas and aims to remove clots, reduce dead space, drain fluid, and suture the skin securely to the cartilage.
- Surgical techniques vary: S-shaped incisions, multiple punch holes, stab incisions, or the use of pads, buttons, or support materials.
- Post-operative care includes pain relief, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, bandaging, and an Elizabethan collar to prevent further trauma.
- Most surgical sutures stay in place for two to three weeks to allow secure healing and reduce the chance of refilling.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 02:27 | What an ear haematoma is and why it forms. |
| 02:27 – 04:33 | Common causes — allergies, mites, trauma, foreign bodies, vasculitis. |
| 04:33 – 06:47 | Bleeding disorders, rat bait poisoning, and other contributors. |
| 06:47 – 09:13 | Why diagnosing the underlying cause is essential. |
| 09:13 – 11:48 | Untreated haematomas — scar tissue, “cauliflower ear,” canal narrowing. |
| 11:48 – 14:30 | Medical management — anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, aspiration pros/cons. |
| 14:30 – 17:13 | Surgical treatment options and techniques used by veterinarians. |
| 17:13 – End | Aftercare, healing time, sutures, and preventing recurrence. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.