Home Remedies for a Dog's Swollen, Puffy Ears

When a dog's ears swell up as if they've been pumped full of air, it's typically a sign of an aural hematoma. An aural hematoma is a swelling caused by blood accumulating beneath the skin of the ear. While small hematomas often don't cause significant issues, many can rapidly grow within 24 hours or less, leading to pain, decreased hearing, head tilting, and a loss of appetite.

If the dog continues to scratch at its ears, it may inadvertently puncture the hematoma, leading to secondary bacterial infections that can cause ear ulcers and, in severe cases, lead to sepsis.

So, what should you do if you encounter this situation?

Understanding the Cause of Aural Hematomas

Before diving into treatment methods, it's important to understand the causes of aural hematomas in dogs to better grasp the treatment approach and future preventive measures.

Most often, aural hematomas are the result of trauma or frequent scratching and shaking of the ears.

Here are some common reasons for this behavior:

1. Ear mites or the presence of fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other parasites around the ears;

2. External otitis, which is an infection of the outer ear, often caused by bacteria or fungi;

3. Foreign bodies, such as grass seeds or small insects, entering the ear canal;

4. Allergies, including atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and contact dermatitis;

5. Endocrine disorders or ear tumors may also be underlying causes.

Treatment Methods for Aural Hematomas

The most secure treatment for aural hematomas is typically surgical intervention. The vet will first anesthetize the dog, then pack the ear canal with cotton balls or gauze to prevent any cleaning agents or hematoma contents from entering the ear.

Next, the vet will shave the hair on either side of the ear, clean the ear, and make a longitudinal or Sshaped incision on the concave side of the ear where the hematoma is located.

Afterward, the vet will flush the cavity with sterile saline to ensure there are no remaining fluids or clots beneath the skin, and then suture the area with nonabsorbable monofilament suture material. Sometimes, the vet may place the suture material in a tube or clip to apply pressure, reducing the渗出液 and avoiding additional irritation caused by the suture line. Postsurgery, the dog may be prescribed medications like Cefadroxil (Cephalexin) or Clavamox (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium) to prevent infection.

It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the incision to heal, at which point you can return to the vet to have the sutures removed.

This method, although more complex, is less likely to result in infection or recurrence and can also help maintain the ear's aesthetic appearance.

Conservative Treatment for Aural Hematomas

1. Aspiration: Using a syringe, repeatedly aspirate the subcutaneous hematoma, and then inject corticosteroids, such as Triamcinolone or Dexamethasone, into the existing cavity.

2. Drainage: Make a small incision in the hematoma's skin and place a drainage tube, allowing the fluid to be drained. Afterward, wrap the ear around the dog's head to apply pressure. Once the fluid has decreased, remove the drainage tube promptly.

While conservative treatments are simpler, they are more prone to recurrence and have a higher risk of infection. As a result, many pet owners opt for surgical treatment in the end.