![]() ![]() If this is the case, the ear cannot be evaluated for infection nor can any infection be treated. The hematoma is so big that the ear canal is occluded (blocked).There are several situations where the hematoma should be repaired. The earflap will feel fluctuant and fluid-filled, like a water balloon.Ī small hematoma may not actually be a problem and may not require repair. This condition is more common in dogs but can occur in cats as well. The extra weight of the earflap may be uncomfortable and may lead to a permanent change in the carriage of the ears. The swelling may be so large that the opening of the ear canal is occluded. The earflap may partially or completely swell with blood. Hematomas in the earflaps (aural hematomas) occur when head shaking breaks a blood vessel within the earflap. Photo by MarVistaVetĪ hematoma is swelling created by a broken blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside a tissue. This is also a good time for your veterinarian to be sure the irritation in the ear canal has resolved.An aural hematoma in a dog. If the sutures that were placed in the pinna were not dissolving sutures, you'll also need to bring the cat back after surgery to have the sutures removed. If there is any discharge from the skin incisions, gently wipe it clean with dilute disinfectant. The holes in the skin should close a few days later. You'll probably be asked to bring the cat back to the hospital for removal of the bandage and drainage tube in 3-5 days. If ear drops are dispensed for you to give at home, your veterinarian will show you how to get the medication into the cat's ear. Treatment may involve ear cleaning, medication, and removal of any foreign material from the ear canal. ![]() In either case, it is also important to identify and treat the cause of the head shaking or ear scratching. The incision, sutures, and drainage tube can cause the cat to shake its head, so it is important that the pinna be stabilized if it is to heal. The pinna is bandaged to the cat's head to prevent further damage this part of the procedure involves placing several sutures through the pinna to "tack down" the separated skin it is necessary to prevent refilling of the hematoma The skin that has been separated from the underlying cartilage is sutured to close the space created by the hematoma the drainage tube is sutured to the ear depending on the size of the hematoma, the veterinarian makes either one large incision over the hematoma, or a small incision at each endĪ rubber or latex drainage tube is passed through the hematoma to allow drainage of any fluid that may continue to leak from the damaged vessels The veterinarian makes an incision over the hematoma to remove the blood/serum and any blood clots The success rate for this approach is only about 50% The pinna is bandaged to the cat's head for a few days The veterinarian inserts a needle into the hematoma and draws out the fluid cortisone may then be injected into the hematoma Causes of irritation within the ear canal include bacterial or fungal infection (otitis externa), parasites (mites, ticks, etc.), and foreign materials (e.g. ![]() The most common reason why cats scratch at their ears or shake their heads repeatedly is irritation within the ear canal. In most cases aural hematomas result from persistent scratching of the ear or shaking of the head. Hematomas develop when blood vessels beneath the skin are ruptured and leak blood or serum into the surrounding area. Without treatment, healing of the hematoma may disfigure the pinna, causing shrinkage and distortion. The swelling is hot and painful when it first develops. It consists of a thin layer of cartilage (which gives the pinna its shape and structure), with skin on either side, on the outer and inner surface of the ear flap.Īural hematomas cause obvious swelling and thickening of the pinna. This part of the ear is called the pinna. An aural hematoma is a hematoma that develops beneath the skin on the ear flap. Hematomas that are more than a couple of days old may also contain blood clots. Hematomas are collections of blood or serum (the yellowish, clear fluid portion of the blood) within the tissues. ![]()
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