
15/08/2025
Grommit (yes, that's his name) came to visit Dr Brian with a swollen ear we call an aural hematoma. This is a painful blood filled swelling that develops between the cartilage and skin of the ear flap. Ear hematomas are usually caused by blunt force trauma, shaking of the head or scratching at the ear, ear mites, skin issues or ear infections. And feel squishy and warm to the touch.
Depending on the size and how long the condition has been there, medication can help, but usually a surgery will be needed. So if you dog or cat (rare in cats) are continually shaking their head or scratching their ears, any discharge or smell from the ears, make an appointment to see either Dr Brian or Dr Kathryn before the blood vessel ruptures and your pet ends up with an aural hematoma. No matter how sore Grommit's ear was, he still wanted those treats from Dr Brian.
Then proceeded to check out the goodies at the front desk, lip smacking, when leaving the clinic. Such a good boy 🐕 💙