Dog Ear Swelling? Aural Hematoma Warning Signs

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Joby George
Veterinary Doctor, Pet Treat Veterinary Speciality Hospital, Kadavanthra, Ernakulam.

❓ Reader question: I see blood inside my dog’s ear. The ear is also swollen and looks like a blister. What is the problem? (Preethilekshmi)

Chithra Subin, Perumbavoor

The specific condition seen in dogs’ ears is called an Aural Haematoma. It is caused when the space between the inner and outer skin of the ear fills with blood, causing the ear to swell up as if it were a festering blister.

Swollen dog ear showing signs of aural hematoma and ear flap inflammation

🩸 What The Swelling Means

An aural haematoma happens when blood collects in the ear flap rather than flowing out of the body. This trapped blood makes the ear look swollen, soft, and blister-like.

🔎 Key point: However, this blood does not flow out of the body. This is what causes the skin to swell.

🐾 Common Causes Behind Aural Haematoma

The causes include ear infections, mite infestations (ear mites), and skin allergies. When a dog with these conditions continuously scratches its ear vigorously with its paws or shakes its head forcefully, the small blood vessels in the ear flap can break.

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Ear infections can trigger irritation, scratching, and repeated head shaking.

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Mite infestations, especially ear mites, are another common cause.

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Skin allergies may make the dog keep scratching the ear with its paws.

🩺 Why A Veterinary Diagnosis Matters

Veterinarian examining a dog ear for aural hematoma diagnosis and treatment

It is best to have a veterinary doctor diagnose the severity of the condition and provide treatment.

⚠️ Important: Depending on the cause and severity of the disease, the following treatment methods can be adopted.

💊 Treatment Options Your Vet May Use

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For very small hematomas, ointments can be used. However, there is a risk that it could become a large hematoma or that the shape of the ear could be altered.

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The blood can be removed via surgery or by using a syringe. Sutures may be applied and a pressure bandage tied to help the skin reattach.

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Treating the underlying medical condition can prevent this problem from recurring.

✅ Quick Takeaway For Dog Owners

If blood is seen inside a dog’s ear and the ear is swollen like a blister, the problem may be Aural Haematoma. Because ear infections, ear mites, skin allergies, scratching, and forceful head shaking may be involved, veterinary diagnosis and treatment are the safest next steps.

FAQ

What is an aural hematoma in dogs?

An aural hematoma, also called an aural haematoma, is a condition where the space between the inner and outer skin of the ear fills with blood. The ear flap swells and may look like a soft blister because the blood remains trapped inside the ear skin.

Why does my dog’s ear look swollen like a blister?

A blister-like swollen dog ear can happen when small blood vessels in the ear flap break. This often follows vigorous scratching with the paws or forceful head shaking. The blood does not flow out of the body, so the ear skin swells.

What causes aural hematoma in dogs?

Common causes include ear infections, mite infestations such as ear mites, and skin allergies. These problems can make a dog scratch continuously or shake its head forcefully, which may break small blood vessels in the ear flap and lead to swelling.

Can a small dog ear hematoma be treated with ointment?

For very small hematomas, ointments can be used. However, there is a risk that a small hematoma could become a large hematoma or that the shape of the ear could be altered, so a veterinary doctor should decide the best treatment.

How do vets remove blood from a dog ear hematoma?

The blood can be removed via surgery or by using a syringe. In some cases, sutures may be applied and a pressure bandage tied to help the skin reattach. The method depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

Will aural hematoma come back after treatment?

It can recur if the underlying medical condition remains untreated. Treating problems such as ear infections, ear mites, or skin allergies can help prevent the dog from scratching or shaking its head again and reduce the chance of another hematoma.