Aural Hematoma

Aural Hematoma Treatment in Jackson, MI

Welcome to Arbor Hills Veterinary Clinic, where Dr. Miller and our team treat aural hematomas in dogs and cats in Jackson, MI. We drain the swollen ear flap and look for the reason your pet was shaking its head in the first place.

Understanding Aural Hematomas

An aural hematoma is a pocket of blood that forms between the skin and the cartilage of the ear flap. It usually happens after a pet shakes its head or scratches its ear hard, which breaks small blood vessels inside the flap.

Head shaking often has a cause of its own, such as an ear infection, allergies or ear mites. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that the cause of the shaking needs treatment too, so we always look for it. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual

What to Expect During Aural Hematoma Treatment

When your pet comes in with a swollen ear flap, we keep you informed from the first exam to the final recheck.

Ear Exam and Diagnosis

Dr. Miller examines the ear flap and the ear canal to confirm a hematoma and check for an infection, allergies or mites that may have started the head shaking.

Gentle, Fear Free Handling

Sore ears can make pets nervous. We use calm, Fear Free handling to keep your pet as comfortable as possible, and surgery is done under anesthesia.

Draining and Closing the Pocket

Surgery drains the blood pocket and closes the space so the ear flap heals flat. We also start treatment for the problem behind the head shaking, so it is less likely to happen again.

Aftercare and Recheck

Your pet may go home with a bandage or a cone to protect the ear while it heals, along with medication for comfort and for the ear problem behind it. We’ll schedule a recheck to make sure it’s healing well.

Why Aural Hematoma Treatment is Important for Your Pet

An aural hematoma can be painful. The swollen ear flap is often tender, and the problem that started the head shaking, like an infection or allergies, can be uncomfortable on its own. Treating both helps your pet feel better.

Relief From Pressure and Soreness

Draining the pocket takes pressure off the ear flap, and medication eases the soreness while it heals.

A Flatter, More Comfortable Ear

A hematoma sometimes goes away on its own, but the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that healing without treatment often leaves a thickened, wrinkled “cauliflower ear.” Treatment helps the ear heal flatter and more comfortably. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual

Fewer Repeat Problems

Treating the ear infection or allergy behind the head shaking makes another hematoma less likely.

Signs Your Pet May Need Aural Hematoma Treatment

Watch for these signs in your dog or cat:

• A soft, puffy or swollen ear flap
• Frequent head shaking or ear scratching
• A head tilt or holding the ear at an odd angle
• An ear that feels warm or seems sore when touched
• Redness, odor or discharge inside the ear

If you notice a swollen ear flap, call us so we can take a look. The sooner it’s treated, the easier it is to keep your pet comfortable.

How Can You Prevent an Aural Hematoma?

An aural hematoma is treated when it happens, not on a schedule. Treating ear infections and allergies early is the best prevention. Call us at (517) 750-3838 if your pet starts shaking its head or scratching its ears often, and keep up with regular wellness exams so Dr. Miller can check your pet’s ears.

Practice Highlights

Arbor Hills Veterinary Clinic offers careful surgical care close to home. Here’s what you can expect:

• Proactive medicine that treats the cause, not just the swelling
• Fear Free certified veterinarian, Dr. Laura Miller
• Clear communication and client education at every step
• Treatment plans made with you, with cost in mind
• Care kept local, with specialist referrals only when truly needed
• ADA-accessible facility with convenient parking
• Serving Jackson and surrounding communities