22/06/2025
What is an aural hematoma?
A hematoma is a localized mass of blood that is confined within an organ or tissue. An aural hematoma is a collection of blood, either fresh or clotted, within the pinna (ear flap). When a hematoma is present, the pinna will appear very thick and spongy. The swelling may involve the entire pinna, or it may involve only one area of the ear.
What causes an aural hematoma to occur?
The external ear has a layer of skin on both sides and a layer of cartilage sandwiched between the two skin layers. Blood vessels run just beneath the skin. When something irritates the ear canal, your dog will respond by scratching or shaking its head. Excessive or violent shaking causes one or more blood vessels to break, resulting in bleeding into the space between the ear cartilage and skin on the inner surface of the ear.
How do you treat aural hematoma in dogs?
Treatment. Your dog is likely to need their ear drained, pain relief, and treatment for the underlying cause. Draining the swelling – some small, painless aural haematomas can be left to heal by themselves, but most are painful and need to be drained.
