Dogs with swollen ears
86
Effective collars to prevent further damage to dog ears
 | Amazon Price: $18.95 List Price: $27.20 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.71 List Price: $11.88 |
 | Amazon Price: $21.93 List Price: $25.99 |
Why are My Dog's Ears Swollen and Inflated?
Are your dog's ears swollen, inflated, squishy, almost resembling a marshmallow? Has your dog been consistently shaking his head, scratching his ear and keeping his head tilted to the side? If you answered yes to any of the above, chances are high your dog may have developed an unsightly condition known as aural hematoma.
What is aural hemtoma? The technical term may be a bit intimidating, but "aural" simply means ear, while "hematoma" means "blood has accumulated inside the ear". If you look carefully at your dog's ears, you will likely see that the actual swollen part is the underlying surface of the pinna. Upon palpation most dogs will display a pain signal.
But why did the ear swell to such epic proportions? When a dog subjects their ear lobe to excessive scratching and shaking, tiny blood vessels rupture causing the accumulated blood to fill up the space in the ear flap between the cartilage and skin . The ear flap therefore swells under pressure causing the typical "ballooned experience" many owners may witness.
An aural hematoma must not need confused with an ear abscess. The basic way to differentiate the two is by doing a needle aspiration. In an aural hematoma, the needle will aspirate a bloody fluid, in an abscess the aspirated substance will be of a yellowish, green tint, suggesting pus.
Symptoms of Aural Hematoma in Dogs
An aural hematoma is pretty easy to diagnose, because most dogs will show distinctive symptoms. The following are symptoms of an aural hematoma in dogs:
- A swollen pinna (ear flap)
- Pain upon palpation
- Head held to one side
- Pawing at the ear
- A history of head shaking
- A history of ear scratching
*Note:Not surprisingly, most owners that bring in a dog suffering from a swollen ear will also say that their dogs were shaking and scratching their head a lot lately.
An aural hematoma develops whe
Effective OTC Treatment for Dog Ear Infections
 | Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $22.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.02 List Price: $12.50 |
Aurual Hematoma Explained by a Vet: Viewer Discretion Advised
Diagnosis and Treatment for Swollen Ears
Even though an ear hematoma diagnosis may be pretty straight forward, the underlying cause of the itching and scratching needs to be addressed. If only the aural hematoma would be taken care of, very likely the dog will return back to the itching and scratching causing again major damage to the delicate pinna.
Underlying causes of ear scratching in dogs may be various, but here are a few to be looked into:
- Ear mites
- Bacterial infection
- Yeast infection
- Foreign bodies
- Allergies
- Wax built up
Treatment for Swollen Ears in Dogs
Proper treatment will involve taking care of the underlying cause. If there is a bacterial infection antibiotics will be prescribed, if there is a foreign body stuck in the ear canal they vet will work it out, if there are ear mites topical ear medications are given, if there is a history of allergies, the triggering cause needs to be found and finally if there is ear wax a proper cleaning is performed.
However, the aural hematoma needs to be taken care of as well. If left untreated, even though the ear may heal on its own, your dog may risk exhibiting a very cosmetically unsightly and damaged ear. The ear may develop thickness and wrinkles or worse assume a "cauliflower appearance" due to scarring.
Treatment of the hematoma would consist of a surgical procedure where the blood is drained out. Often, this is done with the dog conscious using a cannula, or needle and syringe. In a more invasive procedure, the pinna will be cut open allowing the fluid to drain out, and then the area would be sutured back. The dog is often prescribed, antibiotics to treat/prevent infections and steroids to prevent any further swelling. Unfortunately, at times, despite treatment, the ears start filling up again.
*Note: In some cases, if the ear is only mildly inflated, a more conservative approach may be taken by injecting cortisone into the flap and prescribing cortisone pills so to shrink the hematoma.
As seen, accumulated fluids within a dog's pinna needs a veterinarian attention. Please do not wait too long or your dog may develop a very unsightly ear. If money is an issue, think that waiting for it too heal on its own may have a much higher price: your dog's ear may never look normal as before.
*Note: if you have an appointment scheduled, placing a cold pack wrapped in cloth on the ear, kept for about 10 minutes at a time should help keep the swelling down.
Dog ear infection overt the counter treatment
|
NEW! Zymox Plus Otic-HC Advanced Formula (1.25 oz)
Current Bid: $21.97
|
|
BRAND NEW Zymox Animal Dog Cat Ear Cleaner w Bio-Active Enzymes 4 oz, fast ship!
Current Bid: $9.99
|
|
Zymox Otic w/ Hydrocortisone 1.25 oz
Current Bid: $15.45
|
For further reading
- Zymox for Dogs with Ear Infections
Learn about how to treat recurrent and annoying dog ear infections using over the counter Zymox. Dog ear infection home remedy for dog owners looking for an alternative to antibiotics. - Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs
Ear Infection Symptoms in Dogs copyright a farricelli When an ear infection strikes man's best friend, there will be some quite distinctive symptoms that cannot be ignored. An ear infection indeed may be so... - Leftover Human Antibiotics or Online Non-Prescriptio...
More and more pet owners are trying to treat their dogs at home using left over antibiotics or online antibiotics of questionable sources. Learn if such practice is safe and its risks. - How to clean your dog's ears
Does your dog have good listening ears? Or is he having a hard time listening to you? Is your dog a "selective listener" meaning he listens only to what he likes to? Before polishing your dog training...
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (28)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (4)
- Beautiful (5)
- Interesting (6)
CommentsLoading...
If your dog has swollen ears due to aural hematoma consider that the procedure may be done with mild sedation in some cases. Consult with your vet.
It took quite a bit of medication to make my dog relaxed. 2 mg of Xanax and she was jetting around like she had never felt better at 14 years of age. We gave her to tabs of Benadryl 4 hours later and she still put up a fight. I have had her on antibiotics for about 3 days and we lanced the hematoma on the third day. She did seem very thankful, but sleepy.......Thanks for your information and for the loving help from a pair of great friends.
You are very so welcome! I am sorry to hear it took so much to sedate her but I am happy to hear of the happy ending. Kind regards
Very good advice here as I used to work at a vets myself and have seen many of these before. As you stated, do not leave this untreated for long as it will not only result in a potentially deformed ear, but it is also unfair to expect your dog to suffer for days with a cureable problem, after all, would you sit in pain for several days without going to your doctor for help, I doubt it! I always recommend people take out pet insurance when they get a dog or cat, as this only costs around seven or eight pounds month, but will ensure most vets bills are covered, (with the exception of routine treatments of course). I believe anyone can find such a small amount of money each month, but it is not always so easy to find hundreds of pounds when you have to pay the bill yourself. In my case in just one year of having my kittens I ended up claiming over £1500 from the insurance policies, yet had only spent out around £100 in premiums. I think this justifies the reasoning for getting pet insurance cover.
Thanks Misty,great advice. My dogs are on insurance and it saved me a lot of money. I would highly recommend it to all pet owners.
so so helpful, i love my dog!
Very helpful...my pup had hematomas and the vet gave her inexpensive drops that took care of it. I think it was because we got to it early!! I saw pictures of the surgery and did discuss it with the vet - thank goodness we didn't have to go through it! Thanks for the hub!
I remember this happening. Very painful for the dog. Thanks for this!
my dog had it and my dad cut it and a bloody liquid came out and it smelled horrible..but it is healing now
my dog has it and i dont have money to help her i want to help her do to not haveing a income right now i dont no what to do help if some can tell me how to lance it i will
You should really have your vet take a look at that. They should not charge you for an office visit but rather for a follow up visit which is considerably cheaper. Ask them if that is possible. He or she should also give you an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from scratching the ear. Best wishes!
yes my lab has a hematoma and i dont have the money right now to take him to the vet. can i drain this myself and if yes can you explain how to go about if anyone can help me let me know. thanks
my dog got in to carpet fresh linen and my dog is doing the same as everyone is sayin ear shaking,swollen ears hot ear head shaking n i bath him to get the stuff off and i also talk to the vet they told me to get cortizone 10 cream n benadry spray i wounder if that will work
Just had our lab to the vets for a hematoma. he's very sleepy after the op. To the posters above who can't afford a vet for your pet's health, I ask why do you have a dog then. I'd go without food to pay for my Barney's health. Shame upon you for not considering your pet's pain & discomfort!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shame on you Linda Dom for saying such a thing.
Linda Dom, you are a bitch! Get off your high horse. Some people have human medical issues they dont attend to because of financial issues, not everyone has the luxury of being able to care for every medical problem be it human or pet. Good for you and Barney but dont rub peoples hard times in there noses. Also, take your own advise and starve yourself you snob. P.S - Your Barney is prob. a pure bread you paid a ton of money for that could have saved 30 SPCA mutts. Good for you!
To Linda Dom, how could you say such a thing? Just because a person doesn't have the right money to take their dog to the vet at that moment in time DOESN'T mean they should be forbidden to own one. I got my dog when i was 8 years old and my parents couldn't afford to pay for expensive vet treatment. I am now 25 and that same dog is still alive, fighting fit. How DARE you make judgement, belittle and suggest that others should be deprived of owning a pet solely because they don't have the pocket to take their dog to the vet as fast as you can. Instead of passing judgement on others, you need to pull your head out of your ass and see the reality that every person is fighting their own battle and reaching out to the wider community for HELP and NOT your blatant criticism. Bitch.
my 8 yr old lab's ear flap is slightly swollen, but she is not scratching or itching at this time, what could be the cause of the swollen ear
Head shaking may cause swollen ears as well. The swelling can be due to an insect bite, abscess, allergic reaction, just to name a few potential causes.
my 8 yr old spitz I belive has a hematoma and I can,t afford a vet bill either, my ex left me 6 yrs ago and now my 78 yr old mother live with me with alot of health problems, so linda dom don,t down others when u have no idea about their life, at one time I could walk in to a vet with all my pets **most of them rescue* and pay cash to have them well taken care of, now each one is older and they have only me, if I took any of them to a pound they would put them down cause not many wants a older dog or cat, only my spitz is a purebred, and it breaks my heart to see her with this problem I,m hoping its a bee sting but the swollen is still the same size as it was on sunday and today monday, I did not notice any shaking of the head or anything before hand and it happen right after I let her in the backyard to use the bathroom, so what can I do?
If it is a hematoma, not much you can do at home. Keep an eye on it hopefully it will get smaller, but if not, there is nothing that can be done at home and if it is a hematoma the ear may heal but look disfigured..
Hey, what about hot compresses. I am a do it at home enthusiast, if possible. Cats are always getting in scuffs and I have come quite accustom to hot compresses and over-the-counter anti-biotic creams. My lab has chronic swimmers ear and he has started swimming again since the hot weather in Arizona lately is reaching 117 Degrees more than less, and he would rather be in the pool that inside in the AC. He has developed a blood blister (pinna area) in the same chronic swimmers ear in the last several days. I cleaned with dog ear wash real well and looked it over thinking maybe scorpion bite. Killed a few in the yard lately. No visible bites. Googled dogs with swollen ears and came across several posts. Looks like I will see if the vet can drain, but as noted will not pay 1000.00 dollars as others are stating in other posts. Animals or god creatures, but vets that charge more than my peditrician should be called-out. A quick comment on insurance, how about structuring Obamacare after it since it seems to be the deal of the century!
I have 4 dogs! An American bulldog, pit bull terrier, and two very small chiuauuas..All 4 seem to be shaking and scratching they're ears. I have tried all different types of ear washes, baterial creams/ointments, Benadryl, cotton balls with even water, allergi meds., antibiotics, baths more offten than usual and steroids for them and NOTHING seems to be helping. Its hard keeping up with ear cleanings let alone 8 ears every day. They're ears are swollen, red, scaby, sometimes bleading, open wounds, brown ear wax looking stuff that smells reallllly bad comming from they're ears. I am in need of some kind of relief for me and my babies.. i kno they're in pain and want to make them confortable as possible.. HELP PLEASE.. need answers and ive spent lots and lots of money on vet bills and they seem to not be able to tell me what the hell is going on. someone.. anyone??
Brown discharge makes me think either ear mites (that are contagious by the way) or a yeast or fungal infection requiring anti-fungal medications.. did your vet did a culture? did you try zymox already?
I thought so too.. but, the vet was treating them for yeast and fungal infection. The vet gave me a steriod but, that is just makening them all moody. what is zymox?
My 5 year old black lab mix was treated for a 'hot spot' on her right cheek. She was given topical meds along with 500mg of amoxicillan. After 6 days on the meds both her ears have swollen, feeling as if they were filled with fluids. I stopped the amox and gave her Benadryl. Can dogs have a reaction to amox?? Thanks
Dogs can virtually have an allergic reaction to any medication so I would consult with your vet about this. The topical meds could also be a culprit. Unless she is scratching her ears when in reality she wants to scratch her cheek but does not because it is painful.
My labrador has sore ears. The ear canal seems inflamed and hot. We have been to the vet almost every month for the last year. We have tried most anti biotics, we have had his ears flushed, he is currently on steroid injections. This had been successful and gave the dog some respite for about four/five weeks however, it seems to be taking longer for this to work as the ear canal is still hot. We have tried alergy tablets. We are at our wits end and can't keep going to the vet as this is so expensive. He also is prone to ear was and black yucky discharge. How did this happen and what can be done???????
Did you already try Zymox? You can read about this here:
http://alexadry.hubpages.com/hub/Zymox-for-Dogs-wi
What about cleaning the ears with a mixture of white vinegar and water (if there are no injuries) If you tried antibiotics and they are not working I am thinking your dog may need a broader spectrum antibiotic or maybe is dealing with a fungal or yeast infection. It sounds very frustrating and you cannot keep on giving steroids. Maybe try another vet and see if he is more resourceful. Best wishes
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE !!!
I am 85 and dieing, broke and my dog has that swollen ear how can I lance it so she wont suffer when I am gone.
PLEASE PLEASE.
Mel, call your local SPCA. Some have vets, all have volunteers, and they might be able to recommend a solution in your specific situation.
For the rest of you people who claim you're broke. It's probably time you got resourceful. ASPCA- CALL THEM. LOCAL DOG SHELTERS - CALL THEM. VET SCHOOLS - CALL THEM. All of these organizations have fantastic people working for them who will help you, if you're just willing to make an effort. Even your vet might consider creating a payment plan to suit your hardship.
Dear Alexadry, thank you so much for your helpful advise! I'm taking my bulmastif today to the PDSA to have it checked out. Noticed it yesterday when I bathed her.
Surrounding you with Love & Light. Thank you.
Our Yellow Lab developed an aural hematoma and we promptly took him to well respected local vet here in Canada. Vet said that as the dog doesn't seem to be in any pain and no evidence of bites or ear infection, the now popular treatment is to give the animal pregnizone (sp?) versus lancing the tissue and draining it. Our Lab is 9, otherwise healthy, proper weight and exercised daily. After a week on the drug the "ballooning" of the ear is greatly reduced in size and is softer to the touch.
I have a yellow lab dog and she haves a Hematoma on her left ear right now.she is 12 years old.I don,t have any money at for a vet bill.my husband and I going to take of it right now at the house here.we are going to pop-it and then put a warm washclothe on it after words. I need a lot help please help me out for my dog.
Oh my, this is not something you can do at home!
I think Linda Dom is a rich Bitch for sure. We have a dog suffering with a large swollen ear. just found it today, sunday, and we really cant afford another huge Vet bill, but that was so rude of her to judge everyone. I hope she gets a swollen ear herself!
I half agree with what Linda Dom said, before getting a dog, make sure you can afford it, but we all have harsh times where we do spend the money we save up in case of an emergency (and obviously that's when the pets start getting ill). My lab currently has a hemotoma, and yes she has fungus (which she had since birth (irresponsible breeder sadly,))and she is on med for her fungus, but I can't afford the vet right now some of my (stupid) family members decided to drain it (we have access to sterile medical equipement) but I'm still pissed off they didn't get informed before doing something (I already knew quite a bit about hematomas). And to warn people, THINK BEFORE doing anything...
If you disagree with Linda Dom that is one thing. But you have a foul mouth and foul attitude about it. I doubt you are poor or you would be humble. Instead you rant. I hope you grow up and become someone who is not mouthy name calling. Its a fact that if it took $10,000 to cure a cancer inside your head right now, you would some how find the money so dont lie to all of us and say you can't afford fifty bucks for a vet visit.
If you disagree with Linda Dom that is one thing. But you have a foul mouth and foul attitude about it. I doubt you are poor or you would be humble. Instead you rant. I hope you grow up and become someone who is not mouthy name calling. Its a fact that if it took $10,000 to cure a cancer inside your head right now, you would some how find the money so dont lie to all of us and say you can't afford fifty bucks for a vet visit.
Okay, first of all, my Great Dane, Tia, has a hematoma on her right ear. But the only thing she has is fleas. After many vet visits to treat the fleas, including countless sprays and carpet cleaners and meds, she still has them. They just won't go away. because of this, she is always scratching. She developed this about two weeks ago. I finally got the courage to google this, and found this lovely site.
My father wanted to pop it - with a needle of course, but I will definitely be taking her to the vet.
Second of all, anyone who can 'not afford' a vet visit, try to reason with them. One of the first questions you need to ask is if they do payment plants, not only on visits but on surgeries.
My Chow got a hematoma a few years ago, and we left it because we had really no idea what to do (and she absolutely hates people, so the vet was out of the question.) and eventually it went away, but her ear doubled over and is very deformed.
That is why I am acting with my Great Dane, to take her to a vet. It is the best thing for your animal!
and third of all, quit the name calling. Yes, she said something very wrong, I agree with this. But the chances are she will never check this page again, is probably uncaring and really doesn't mind ruining your day. It's probably what she wanted, so don't give her the satisfaction!
My pitbull has always had ear infections & skin allergies since we adopted her. She is now over 12yrs old & this morning was the 1st time she has hematoma. Took her to the vet & the doc drained it w/ a syringe. She wanted to do more invasive surgery but at my dog's age I'm fearful of her being sedated. The underlying cause is bacteria in her inner canal. $400 later she now has 3 wks of Zeniquin which I'm giving it to her with 2 Pepcid AC (she's prone to vomitting w/meds). She also will get Baytril drops for the next 3 wks to go with Benadryl tabs that she's been getting daily. Tonight I noticed that the earlobe is filled with blood again. My husband is going to try to drain the blood with syringes that we've used for her allergy shots. I think it's going to be a couple days for the meds to be in her system but we'll bring her back to the vet if the ear continues to swell at the end of this week.
I have read all your posts. I cannot believe some of the cold hearted people in the world today.Not everyone has money falling out of their pockets and to take a pet to todays vets thats what you need. Most of them think their hands are coated with gold and charge outrageous prices just to walk into thier office. A lack of money does not mean a lack of love or caring for a pet. I recently lost my dog I raised since the day he was born, he was 20 yrs old when he died. I took him to the vet every time he sneezed the wrong way. Found out the vet was charging me over $30 for meds that could be called into walmart and bought for $4. Vet schools? none around here. ASPCA? wont help pets that are not in their shelter..vet working out a payment plan? ROFL dont make me laugh,Most Vets care more about money then they do the animals they work on.As for Linda dom.. I hope she finds her self in the same position some of the folks above are in and can't pay a big vet bill, when you have already given up everything you can, and theres still not enough to pay an ourageous vet bill..What goes around comes around Linda dear.. perhaps one day you will be in the position to understand what it feels like to need a vet and call all over and try everything you know to do and theres just no way. I have been fortunate, in getting my dog to the vet. Some are not that fortunate and for them, my heart goes out to them. Banfield hospital has a charitible trust fund that helps the elderly and disabled get care for their dogs btw. Check it out.. couldnt hurt right?
I have a six year old beagle and one of her ears has a medium-sized (compared to her ear size) space that looks inflated like a balloon. It's not huge, and you can't immediately notice it unless you touch her ear. She's not hanging her head to one side, or pawing at that ear. She doesn't even seem to notice it, really. What is that?
Can be an infection, a skin tag, an irritated area from scratching, or a hematoma.. so many possibilities! If she is not pawing it or keeping the head to one side perhaps it is not bothering much but it can still be a start of a hematoma if she scratched at it or shook her head to break the capillaries causing it to swell.
Hi my dog has a hematoma on her ear, she doesnt appear in any pain although her head is one sided her ears huge and she keeps scratching it .. Ive telephoned several vets and discussed a payment plan but to no avail all want immediate payment for treatment, I phoned the pdsa they would not treat her as I was not in reciept of housing benefit. I do not have the times for vet bills .. Ive had my dog for twelve years and hate to see her so fed up, being a nurse I lanced it myself using all infection control measures and sterilized equipment, no way would my dog allow a stranger near her ear, she was so good and lay with her head on my knee while I drained it, she was in no pain and looked relieved, I tried to stop up scratching the ear but dogs will be dogs, ive got up this morning and the ear is full and swollen again ... What can I do to help her, I can see the vet when I get later but this is two weeks away and dont want to leave her that long .. I didnt expect it to till again once it was drained :(
Unfortunately, aura hematomas have a high rate of recurring. Basically, after the fluid is removed, a gap is left and more fluids make their way to refill the empty area. Really, with all due respect, this is something that should not be done at home. Recurring hematomas, for instance, at times require special sutures that are often placed surgically to prevent the flap from re-filling. Left untreated, hematomas may cause unsightly scarring. Also, let's not forget that the underlying cause of the hematoma should be addressed as well, otherwise it's a lost cause.
We had this problem our male lab- we suspect a spider bite caused the itching and shaking of the ear that caused the hematoma. We took him to the vet who lifted our dogs ear flap up so it was upside down and taped it in place and kept it like that overnight with the hope that "elevating" the ear in this manner would allow the Fluid to drain out and prevent being opened up for drainage. It worked beautifully.
Our 8 yr old Lab as been scratching his ears, and shaking his head quite a bit. Looked in is ears with a flashlight and did notice some wax buildup at the bottom. No foul odor in either ear so that rules out an infection. Nothing crawling around either so that rules out ear mites. I figured he just needed a godd cleaning. I picked up a bottle of Sulphodene (ear antiseptic) from a local pet store, and followed the directions. A few dirty paper towels/cottonballs later, and he is still doing some scratching.
As I was cleaning, I noticed a small hematoma(swollen spot) in his left ear...Probably from all the scratching. Nothing major...I'll check it tomorrow when I clean his ears again.
Thanks for all the helpful posts on here.
my dogs ear has this can i get it out myself?
Garen, unfortunately not. I would recommend reading through the above posts to better understand why and there are also some tips.
If in need of $ for vet bills contact organizations like SNAP,local 501's some of the animal groups have funds just for vet bills, You can re-pay them by volunteering!!!
Dear Alexadry, thank you so much for your helpful advise! I'm taking my bulmastif today to the PDSA to have it checked out. Noticed it yesterday when I bathed her.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
I agree with Linda Dom despite what everyone says. If you can't properly care for an animal then you don't need to have one. I don't have a pure bread, nor am I rich so don't even try those come backs.
I'm familiar with this condition. It's very painful and discomforting for the dog, but luckily it can be treated. I would advise all dog owners to get pet insurance. It's worth it in the long run.
I need ergent help for my puppy someone please???
What's the problem, Peter, is it its ears?
my dog had swollen ears and after reading this hub we went to see the vet and it turned out being aural hematoma, my vet said if I waited any longer my dog's ears were going to get scars that very likely were never going to go away.
update, the vet took care of my swollen ears and now they are getting slowly better, he had ear mites which explained all that unsightly gunk he had.
Great! I hope he gets rid of these pesky parasites and that is swollen ear recovers quickly!
I just found out that my dog has this, I did this:The basic way to differentiate the two is by doing a needle aspiration. In an aural hematoma, the needle will aspirate a bloody fluid.
I was able to drain the area. I have needles from my pharmacy for my medication. She seems much happier its drained and not so ballooned and purple looking.
help 3 years ago
but my dog is 14 years old what should i do