Cats Ear Swelling Like a Balloon: What to Do?

When a cat's ear swells up with a large bump, it could be a sign of an aural hematoma—a condition where the internal blood vessels in the ear rupture due to some cause, leading to the accumulation of blood between the ear's skin and cartilage. This pooling of blood causes a section of the ear to swell, appearing as a cyst filled with fluid, feeling soft to the touch and having a fluctuating sensation.

Without treatment, a mild aural hematoma may resolve on its own, but this process can be lengthy, painful, and may even result in ear deformation.

Most cases of aural hematoma in cats can swell significantly in a short period. If the cat continues to scratch at it, it may puncture the hematoma, leading to a skin infection.

What Causes a Cat's Aural Hematoma?

1. Ear Mites/Malassezia Infection

Ear mites, Malassezia, bacterial otitis, or allergies to food, medication, or the environment can cause itching and pain in a cat's ears. The cat may frequently scratch or shake its head to relieve the discomfort. If left untreated, these issues can lead to the rupture of capillaries in the ear, causing an aural hematoma.

2. Ear Injury

Cats may accidentally injure their ears during play or fighting, or from a sudden blow, which can cause capillaries within the ear to rupture, leading to a hematoma.

How to Treat a Cat's Aural Hematoma

1. Conservative Treatment

This involves using a syringe to aspirate the blood from the ear and wrapping the ear lobe with gauze to apply pressure, reducing the bleeding.

This method is relatively simple but requires repeated aspiration and wrapping, making it difficult for cats to cooperate. The treatment may not be very effective and is prone to recurrence.

2. Surgical Treatment

Most cases of aural hematoma require surgical intervention, which is the most timely and effective treatment.

The vet will first anesthetize the cat, place cotton in the ear canal to prevent blood from entering, and then make a straight or Sshaped incision on the inner side of the hematoma to remove the clotted blood and blood clots. The ear will then be thoroughly flushed with saline. Finally, the hematoma area will be sutured with a catheter to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.

Postoperative care is crucial to prevent infection. Cats may be prescribed broadspectrum antibiotics, such as Clavamox (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) or Cefadroxil (cefadroxil tablets), to combat inflammation.

Typically, cats can have their sutures removed after 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the recovery process.

Preventive Measures

• Regularly inspect your cat's ears to detect and treat ear canal diseases early.

• Maintain good hygiene by regularly cleaning your cat's ears with a product like Ear Cleanse (pet ear cleaning solution).

• Regularly deworm your cat and keep the environment clean to prevent ear mite infections.

• Enhance your cat's nutrition to boost its immune system.

In summary, if your cat's ear swells up with a large bump, it's crucial to take it seriously. If you're not experienced, it's best to seek veterinary care immediately to avoid improper handling that could lead to wound infection or recurring issues, causing additional harm to your feline friend.