A bloody ear, also known as an othematoma, is a painful bruise in your dog’s ear.
If you notice such a change, you should definitely take your dog to a veterinarian!
In this article you will find out how to recognize a blood ear in dogs and what happens if the blood ear is left untreated. We will also explain what treatment is necessary for a blood ear and what the chances of recovery are.
In a nutshell: what is a bloody ear in a dog?
A blood ear or othematoma in dogs is a bruise in the ear caused by injured blood vessels. This can be caused by violent romping, kinking or squeezing the ear or a previous ear infection and is very painful for your dog. Dogs with floppy ears are often affected by a blood ear.
A blood ear must be treated by a veterinarian, otherwise deformation of the auricle and further infections are inevitable.
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How do I recognize an othematoma in dogs? (Picture)
A blood ear it is not difficult to recognize. You can tell by your dog’s ear thick and swollen is. Due to the swelling, the auricle takes on a different shape.
The ear filled with blood often turns darkwhich you can see especially well in light-skinned dogs.
One oblique head position, frequent shaking of the head and scratch the ear are other signs of a blood ear.
How does an othematoma develop in dogs?
trigger for an othematoma in the dog violent shaking of the head or severe scratching at the ear. As a result, the blood vessels are injured and the blood runs out of the vessels under the skin.
The reason for violent head shaking and severe scratching is often a previous one ear infectionwhich causes your dog pain.
Other reasons that can provoke an othematoma are bite injuries, which can arise from biting or from wild play. It is enough if the ear is bent or squeezed. A tooth does not have to have penetrated the skin to cause an ear of blood.
If the blood vessels and cartilage through a bruise injured, an othematoma can form.
Good to know:
In dogs with floppy ears, there is an increased risk of a bloody ear forming as a result of violent head shaking and scratching! Many dogs find it amusing to play with their fellow dogs’ floppy ears. Unfortunately, this is a common trigger for a blood ear.
How do you treat a bloody ear in a dog?
A blood ear needs to be treated by a veterinarian.
A untreated blood ear means for your dog first strong pain and second, it favors further infections as well as one crippling at the ear.
There are two ways to treat a blood ear:
- your vet punctured the ear and sucks out the blood. He then rinses the wound cavity and fills it with a cortisone solution. Unfortunately, it often happens that blood runs into the wound cavity again. Therefore, the treatment must be repeated at short intervals. If that doesn’t help, option 2 applies.
- If the ear fills up with blood again and again, it is a surgery urgently necessary. The othematoma is opened and completely emptied. The wound cavity is rinsed and the wound is sutured. The vet then applies an ear bandage, which prevents blood from running into the wound cavity again.
The bandage also ensures that the ear is fixed and withstands your dog’s head shaking.
Important!
In order for the treated blood ear to heal properly, you need to keep your dog calm during the recovery period. Violent romping, playing, fighting and strenuous activities are taboo during this time.
A great address for an initial assessment or to get rid of all your questions is the online veterinarian Dr. Sam.
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blood ear treatment costs
Depending on how long and whether your dog’s bloody ear needs to be treated with or without surgery, treatment costs vary widely. You can count on around 400 euros just for the operation.
Home remedies for a blood ear
The first step with a blood ear is always to the vet!
You are welcome to talk to him about any alternative healing methods.
There are dog owners who have been successful with a blood ear heparin ointment have treated. The entire ear was gently massaged with the ointment several times. This causes the resulting bruise to be reduced.
Also a therapy with leeches is conceivable. Please discuss all this with your veterinarian and do not start your own experiments at home!
Does a blood ear go away on its own?
The experiences with a blood ear say: No. Either way, you need to get it treated.
If the othematoma remains untreated, it can lead to deformation of the auricle, scarring and the so-called «cauliflower ear» come. This narrows the auditory canal and promotes the development of ear infections.
Also, don’t forget that a bloody ear causes your dog a lot of pain.
Can you prick an ear of blood yourself?
No, please don’t do that!
Never try to treat a blood ear in your dog yourself.
Under no circumstances should you prick your ear. If your dog has an hematoma, it definitely needs to be treated by a veterinarian.
Bloody ear in the dog – vet or treat yourself?
When you find that Your dog’s ear is thick, swollen and may be darkened is, this indicates a blood ear.
That means for you and your dog: Off to the vet!
A blood ear should definitely be treated by a specialist. Otherwise there is a risk that it will continue to fill with blood and deform the ear. This is extremely painful for your dog!
Please do not doctor around on your own. This can make things a whole lot worse.
If a blood ear is treated professionally and in good time, the chances of healing without deformity and scarring are very good.
If you are unsure, we can put you in contact with the online veterinarian Dr. Recommend Sam. You can contact him via video call and get rid of all your questions and concerns.
This saves you (first) going to the vet and Dr. Sam can tell you what to do next! If you want to feel safe in relation to your dog, please take out a subscription. The first consultation is free!
Source image: https://www.ematik.it/en/aural-hematoma-what-about-causes-and-remedies/