Dog Ear Hematomas: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

A dog ear hematoma (also called an aural hematoma) is a collection of blood between the layers of the ear pinna. It develops when blood vessels inside the pinna are damaged by trauma to the ear, such as vigorous head-shaking, allowing blood to leak and become trapped between the layers.  

A dog ear hematoma can look alarming if you haven’t seen one before. Signs of an ear hematoma include: 

• A swollen, puffy-looking ear flap 
• A feeling of warmth or fluid inside the ear flap 
• Ears that look asymmetrical 
• An ear that droops or sticks out to the side 

In severe cases, your dog might also experience rapid swelling, pain, or sensitivity to touch. 

Dog ear hematomas are caused by ear trauma, most often from repeated head shaking and forceful ear flapping. This typically happens because the ears are itchy. 

Common reasons for itchy ears include: 

• Ear infections 
• Allergies 
• Ear mites 
• Other parasites, such as fleas and ticks 

Dog ear hematomas aren’t life-threatening, but they can worsen quickly and be uncomfortable for your dog. It’s best to have your veterinarian evaluate the ear promptly to treat the hematoma and identify the underlying cause. 

An ear hematoma may warrant an urgent or emergency veterinary visit if your dog shows any of the following signs: 

• Extreme ear sensitivity 
• Inability to settle or rest 
• Rapid swelling of the ear 
• A bad odor from the ears 

Although your vet can diagnose a dog ear hematoma on sight, diagnostic testing is often needed to determine the underlying cause.  

A thorough ear exam will allow your vet to check for signs of infection or other causes of itching, such as allergies. They may also perform ear cytology by swabbing inside the ear canal and examining the sample under a microscope. The presence of bacteria, yeast, or mites can help explain why your dog has itchy ears. 

Your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment based on the size of the hematoma, whether your dog has had one before, and how well they expect it to heal.  

Treatment options may include: 

• Draining the hematoma through a needle or small incision 
• Surgical repair, which involves suturing the layers of the ear together 
• Steroid medications given orally or by injection 
• Treating underlying causes, such as allergies or ear infections 

These treatments are designed to reduce discomfort, prevent scarring, and address the underlying cause.  

Without treatment, a hematoma can damage ear tissue and may take several weeks to improve or may come and go for months without fully resolving.  

The cost for dog ear hematoma surgery depends on what procedure your dog needs, where you live, and the type of veterinary clinic performing the repair. Simple ear drainage or medical management typically costs less than surgery, which requires general anesthesia.  

For many dogs, surgery is the most effective treatment option. Costs can range from $500 to $1,200 or more.  

Never attempt to drain your dog’s ear hematoma at home, as this can be painful and predispose your pup to infection or recurrence.   

If your dog has an ear hematoma, they need to see a vet for care.  

If your dog’s hematoma bursts after hours or on the weekend and the bleeding doesn’t stop within 10-15 minutes, call an emergency veterinary hospital for advice.

Caring for a dog with an ear hematoma means following your veterinarian’s instructions. Home care usually includes: 

• Preventing scratching using an Elizabethan collar (recovery cone or e-collar), like the WZ PET Adjustable Recovery Cone Elizabethan Collar 

• Limiting activities that could increase blood flow to the ear 
• Keeping ears clean with a vet-approved ear cleanser to prevent infections, such as Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner 

• Giving medications, such as antibiotic or antifungal ointment to treat an ear infection, according to your vet’s instructions 
• Attending recheck appointments to ensure the ear is healing properly 

While not all dog ear hematomas are preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your dog’s risk. These include: 

• Contacting your vet promptly if you notice signs of an ear infection, including debris in the ear, redness, a bad smell, or itchiness 
• Managing allergic inflammation and itchiness using vet-recommended treatments, such as corticosteroids or Apoquel 

• Routinely cleaning your dog’s ears to help catch infections or causes of itching before a hematoma develops 
• Reducing scratching and head shaking by using a cone collar when needed 

With early care and a strong partnership with your veterinarian, your pup can heal and get back to their normal activities. 

Will a dog ear hematoma go away on its own? 

In some cases, the blood within a dog ear hematoma can be reabsorbed by the body, allowing the ear to heal. However, dogs who heal this way often develop bumpy scar tissue in the ear. 

How long does a dog ear hematoma take to heal? 

A dog ear hematoma may take several days to weeks to improve. It’s best to have your veterinarian evaluate and treat the condition rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own. 

Can I drain my dog’s ear hematoma at home? 

No—never attempt to drain your dog’s ear hematoma at home. Doing so can be painful for your dog and may worsen the condition. 

Is surgery always needed for a dog ear hematoma? 

Not always. Some dogs improve with drainage and medication, along with treatment of the underlying cause. However, if these approaches don’t work or the hematoma is severe, surgery is often recommended. 

Why does my dog keep getting ear hematomas? 

Recurrent ear hematomas are usually linked to an underlying issue that causes itchy ears. They may also be more common in Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Surgery and treatment for the underlying issue are recommended when ear hematomas keep coming back.