If left untreated, the hematoma may be slowly reabsorbed but the associated inflammation will cause damage to the surrounding ear tissues resulting in a distorted, cauliflower-shaped ear that could obstruct the ear canal. What if an aural hematoma is left untreated? "Aural hematomas are very painful and, for an affected dog’s welfare, should be treated promptly." If an infection is present, your veterinarian may prescribe medication and will recommend a recheck of the ear canal to be sure that the infection is resolved. If discharge from the surgery sites occurs before they close, it should be cleaned off with mild cleansing soap. The sutures (stitches) may be removed after two weeks if the ear is completely healed in severe cases, some or all of the sutures may be left in place for up to two weeks longer. In some cases, there may be one or more drainage holes from the drain or incision, which will be left to heal by scar tissue. What follow-up treatment is needed?ĭrainage tubes or bandages may be removed by your veterinarian after 3-14 days. If an underlying cause is found, such as an infection, allergy, or foreign body, it will be treated once the hematoma is corrected. Some hematomas are treated with oral steroids alone depending on their size and location. This treatment method may eventually eliminate the problem, although it may take longer to achieve the same result as surgery. ![]() Oral steroids are often recommended as well. Repeated draining is often needed so be prepared to return to your veterinarian for a few visits. Some aural hematomas are treated by draining the hematoma and injecting a steroid into the pocket. Shaking after the ear pinna has been sutured at this time may cause further damage to the ear. It may be supported by a bandage or other material applied directly to the ear, or by bandaging the ear against the head. ![]() The pinna is stabilized to prevent further damage. This is accomplished by placing a series of sutures (stitches) that are passed completely through the ear flap holding both layers of skin to the cartilage.ģ. The space where the blood accumulated is eliminated. Alternatively, the skin over the hematoma may be incised and opened completely.Ģ. A drain tube may be passed through the hematoma and sutured to the ear to remove any more blood or serum that accumulates in the area. This is accomplished by making a small incision at each end of the hematoma. The actual surgical technique varies with the individual circumstances and the veterinarian's preference but always involves these basic steps:ġ. Surgery can treat the hematoma quickly and effectively. There are many ways to treat aural hematomas in dogs and your veterinarian can discuss their recommendations with you. What is the treatment for an aural hematoma? "Surgery can treat the hematoma quickly and effectively." It is also possible that a foreign body initiated the shaking but was later dislodged.ĭogs with a bleeding or clotting disorder may also develop an aural hematoma, with or without a history of trauma. In some cases, there may be a piece of foreign material lodged in the ear canal, such as a tick or piece of grass. Most dogs that develop an aural hematoma have an infection, allergy, bite wound, or other inflammatory ear condition that causes excessive scratching and head shaking. 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. When something irritates the ear canal, your dog will respond by scratching or shaking its head. The external ear has a layer of skin on both sides and a layer of cartilage sandwiched between the two skin layers. The swelling may involve the entire pinna, or it may involve only one area of the ear. ![]() When a hematoma is present, the pinna will appear very thick and spongy. An aural hematoma is a collection of blood, either fresh or clotted, within the pinna (ear flap). A hematoma is a localized mass of blood that is confined within an organ or tissue.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |