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Q: Why are my dog's ear flaps swollen?

by Dr. Lauren Brickman

My dog's ear flaps are swollen. His inner ears are fine and there are no other symptoms. What could this be? Q: My dog's ear flaps are swollen. His inner ears are fine and there are no other symptoms. What could this be?

A: It is possible that your dog may have an aural hematoma. This is basically just a collection of blood within the pinna. Aural hematomas usually occur after the dog has been scratching the ear a lot or shaking its head due to an underlying ear infection or ear mites. If your dog does have this condition, there is a surgical procedure to correct it. The underlying cause must be treated as well.

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Dr. Lauren Brickman Dr. Brickman started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to…

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Comments (5)

tatter614
Added 09-10-2012 12:28am
ok you have answered my question as what is wrong but what do i do when i cant afford the surgery i looked it up on line and it will cost 500.00 dollars or more i am on disabillity and only get 600.00 a month i have had bauex since he was a puppy and he is now 10 years old and have taken very good care of him and dont want to loose him now i have taken a needle and taken out the fluid untill his ear is flat but it swells back up the next day i clean his ear regulary is there any thing else i can do and will it hurt to do this daily. please help. tatter614@yahoo.com
Anonymous (Unverified)
Added 06-23-2012 04:31pm
My dog sparkey, has a swollen ear flap,at first,wethought something bit him,we gave him benedryl.A week went by and it wasn't getting any better,it was getting bigger,so we stuck it with a needle,(THAT WASN'T GOOD)blood came out,it looked like it was getting better,after that.2 weeks have past,we are going to the vet on Mon.(appt made)Poor Sparky,his eae his so heavy,its been 2 weeks!! Have we waited to long? can that swelling go to hi brian,and kill him
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Stuart Caddy (Unverified)
Added 04-05-2012 08:49pm
How much is the surgical procedure to correct an aural hematoma?
Brenda (Unverified)
Added 11-30-2011 03:56pm

I have a dog with this hematoma can i do anything at home instead of taking him to the vet.

Anonymous (Unverified)
Added 06-27-2011 11:19am

its my cat that has the hematoma in his ear.. is there any way to treat this without going to the vet ???

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