Aural Hematoma in Dogs (Otohematoma)
- Synonyms: Blood ear
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Head/Neck
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Definition
An aural hematoma is a collection of blood between the skin and cartilage of a dog’s ear, often caused by trauma or intense scratching.
Das Wichtigste auf einen Blick
An aural hematoma in dogs is caused by the rupture of blood vessels in the ear, leading to a blood accumulation between the cartilage and skin. This causes the ear to swell and can cause Pain. Common triggers are traumas from intense Scratching or Head shaking, which are often caused by Ear infections, mites, or allergies that trigger Itching. Some dog breeds are genetically more susceptible to aural hematomas.
Diagnosis is made through a clinical examination of the affected ear, supplemented by tests for infection or parasites. Treatment usually involves surgical drainage to drain blood and fix the tissue to the cartilage. Alternatively, conservative treatment with needle drainage and cortisone injections can be performed, although there is a risk of recurrence. The underlying cause must also be treated to prevent recurrence.
The prognosis is mostly good if the aural hematoma is treated early, although permanent ear deformations can occur. Prevention includes the control of Ear infections, allergies, and parasites, as well as regular ear care and veterinary examinations. Research focuses on improved diagnosis and treatment methods, minimally invasive procedures, and genetic factors to reduce the risk of aural hematomas.
Ursachen
An aural hematoma occurs when blood vessels in the ear rupture and blood accumulates between the cartilage layer and the overlying skin. This blood accumulation causes the ear to swell and feel soft and spongy. The pressure from the blood accumulation can cause Pain and deform the ear if left untreated.
The most common cause of an aural hematoma is trauma to the ear, often due to intense Scratching or Head shaking. These behaviors often occur when the dog suffers from Ear infections, mites, or allergies that cause Itching. Strong Head shaking or Scratching the head can cause the delicate blood vessels in the ear to rupture.
Ear infections often lead to aural hematomas because they cause severe Itching and discomfort, prompting the dog to shake or scratch its ear. Allergies can also play a role, as they can irritate the skin in the ear and lead to the same behaviors. Parasites such as ear mites are also a common cause. In addition, the predisposition to aural hematomas in some dog breeds can be due to genetics.
Symptoms
The Symptoms: of an aural hematoma are usually easily recognizable. The affected ear swells and feels warm and soft, almost like a fluid-filled cushion. The dog may show signs of discomfort and attempt to scratch the ear or shake its head.
Another common symptom is a visible bruise or discoloration of the skin on the inside of the ear. These changes are due to blood accumulation under the skin. In severe cases, the ear may appear deformed due to the Swelling.
Dogs with an aural hematoma may also show signs of Pain or Irritability, especially when the affected ear is touched. Additionally, symptoms of an underlying Ear infection or parasite infestation, such as foul-smelling discharge or changes in behavior, may be present.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of an aural hematoma is usually made through a thorough clinical examination of the affected ear. The veterinarian will palpate the ear and look for Swelling, pain reactions, and other signs of blood accumulation.
To determine the underlying cause of the aural hematoma, the veterinarian may also examine the ear for infections, mites, or other conditions. This can be done through an ear examination with an otoscope or by taking swabs for microscopic examination.
In some cases, an ultrasound examination of the ear may be performed to more accurately assess the blood accumulation and rule out other possible problems. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the correct treatment method and addressing the underlying cause.
Therapie
The treatment of an aural hematoma can vary depending on the severity of the blood accumulation and the underlying cause. A common method is surgical drainage, where a small incision is made to drain the blood. After drainage, a suturing technique is often used to reattach the tissue to the cartilage and prevent the formation of a new hematoma.
In some cases, conservative treatment with needle drainage and cortisone injections may be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This method is less invasive but may carry a higher risk of recurrence of the aural hematoma.
It is important to treat the underlying cause of the aural hematoma to prevent recurrence. This includes treating Ear infections with antibiotics or antifungals, as well as controlling allergies or parasites. Regular cleaning of the ear can help with prevention of infections.
Prognose und Nachsorge
The prognosis for dogs with an aural hematoma is generally good, especially if the problem is identified and treated early. Most dogs recover completely after treatment, although the affected ear may remain permanently deformed if the aural hematoma was large or not treated in time.
It is important to address the underlying cause of the aural hematoma to prevent recurrence. Successful treatment of the infection, allergy, or parasite infestation significantly improves the long-term prognosis.
In general, dogs recover quickly after surgery or drainage, and most return to their normal behavior within a few weeks. Veterinary follow-ups are important to monitor healing and ensure that no further complications occur.
Prävention
The most effective prevention of an aural hematoma is to control the underlying causes that lead to ear trauma. This includes regular checking and cleaning of the ears, especially in dogs prone to Ear infections or allergies.
The control of parasites such as ear mites is also crucial, as they frequently cause Itching and irritation that lead to Scratching and Head shaking. Regular veterinary examinations can help detect and treat parasite infestations early.
For dogs prone to allergies, a hypoallergenic diet or medication may be necessary to control symptoms. Early treatment of ear problems and avoiding irritants can also reduce the risk of an aural hematoma.
Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung
Current research on aural hematomas in dogs focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment methods to shorten healing time and minimize the risk of complications. Studies have shown that the cause of aural hematomas is often repeated Scratching or Head shaking, which can occur with allergies, Ear infections, or parasite infestations. Researchers continue to investigate the underlying causes to develop preventive measures that can prevent such injuries.
Another significant area of research is the development of new surgical techniques and non-operative treatment approaches. Traditionally, an aural hematoma is treated surgically by draining the blood accumulation and fixing the ear to support healing. However, newer studies are examining the effectiveness of minimally invasive methods, such as aspiration in combination with the administration of steroids or the use of compression bandages, to reduce the need for surgical intervention.
Another promising area of research is the investigation of genetics and breeding lines to determine if certain breeds or genetic factors increase the risk of developing aural hematomas. In the long term, this information could help inform breeding decisions to reduce the occurrence of this condition.
Additionally, there are studies on the role of nutrition and lifestyle in the prevention of aural hematomas. It is believed that a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can strengthen the immune system and improve overall health, which in turn could reduce the risk of Ear infections and other underlying problems that lead to aural hematomas.
Overall, current research shows promising approaches to improving the management of aural hematomas in dogs. Through a better understanding of the causes and the development of new treatment methods, veterinarians hope to improve the quality of life for affected animals and reduce the burden on their owners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an aural hematoma in dogs?
2. What causes an aural hematoma?
3. How do I recognize if my dog has an aural hematoma?
4. What treatment options are available for aural hematomas?
5. Is surgery always necessary?
6. How long does it take for an aural hematoma to heal?
7. Can an aural hematoma heal on its own?
8. Are there ways to prevent aural hematomas?
9. Can an aural hematoma recur?
10. Can all dog breeds get aural hematomas?
Literatur
- O’Neill, D. G., Lee, Y. H., Brodbelt, D. C., Church, D. B., Pegram, C., & Halfacree, Z. (2021). Reporting the epidemiology of aural haematoma in dogs and proposing a novel aetiopathogenetic pathway. Scientific Reports, 11, 21670. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00352-0
- MacPhail, C. M. (2016). Current treatment options for auricular hematomas. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 46(4), 635–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.01.003
- Hewitt, J., & Bajwa, J. (2020). Aural hematoma and it’s treatment: A review. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 61(3), 313–315.
- Hall, J., Weir, S., & Ladlow, J. (2016). Treatment of canine aural haematoma by UK veterinarians. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 57(7), 360–364. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12524
- Lahiani, J., & Niebauer, G. W. (2020). On the nature of canine aural haematoma and its treatment with continuous vacuum drainage. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 61(3), 195–201. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13107
- Perego, R., Spada, E., Moneta, E., Baggiani, L., & Proverbio, D. (2021). Use of autologous leucocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) in the treatment of aural hematoma in dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 8(9), 172. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090172
- Rüfenacht, S., Schellenberg, S., Borio, S., Summerfield, A., & Ricklin, M. E. (2022). Non-blinded treatment of aural-hematoma with oral prednisolone as a monotherapy in privately-owned dogs. Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde, 164(6), 447–455. https://doi.org/10.17236/sat00358
- Xie, Y., Deng, Y., Teng, X., Li, H., Li, L., Xv, D., & Chen, Y. (2025). Successful surgical management of aural hematoma with the application of polycaprolactone splint in 7 dogs and 3 cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 263(5), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.09.0571