Effective Treatment for Golden Retriever Ear Hematoma:

Ear hematoma refers to a swelling that forms when blood pools between the skin and cartilage inside the ear due to the rupture of internal ear vessels. This condition is quite common in breeds with large, pendulous ears, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels. Not only does an ear hematoma affect a dog's appearance, but it can also cause pain and discomfort. If left untreated, it may lead to severe consequences, including ear deformation and sepsis.

Now, let's delve into how to treat ear hematoma in Golden Retrievers. Today, we'll provide some valuable insights.

What Causes Ear Hematomas in Golden Retrievers?

Golden Retriever ear hematomas are typically caused by ear infections (either bacterial or fungal), parasites (mainly ear mites), allergic reactions, or ear injuries. When a dog frequently shakes its head or scratches its ears due to itching or pain, it can lead to the rupture of ear vessels, resulting in a hematoma.

How to Treat Ear Hematomas in Golden Retrievers?

1. Conservative Treatment

For milder cases of ear hematoma, some pet owners might opt for conservative treatment. This includes using a syringe to repeatedly drain the fluid from the hematoma, combined with oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and minimize fluid leakage. Alternatively, a small incision can be made on the inner side of the hematoma's skin, allowing the fluid to be pressed out and a drain tube to be placed to continuously remove the fluid. Once the fluid production slows down (usually around 710 days), the drain tube should be promptly removed.

While conservative treatment is straightforward, it has a high recurrence rate and is more suitable for elderly dogs that cannot undergo anesthesia for surgery. For healthy adult dogs, to prevent recurrent ear hematomas, it's generally recommended to opt for surgical treatment.

2. Surgical Treatment

For most cases of ear hematoma, surgery is the most effective treatment. The goal of surgery is to remove the pooled blood and prevent the hematoma from reforming. During the procedure, the vet will make an incision in the hematoma area under anesthesia, clear out the blood and other debris, and then use techniques like softtube or buttonhole suturing to apply pressure to the ear's vascular system, avoiding suture adhesion to the skin. This helps reduce leakage, promotes healing, and prevents recurrence.

After surgery, the dog can be prescribed medications like Clavamox (amoxicillinclavulanate potassium) or Augmentin (cefaclor tablets) to prevent infection and maintain the wound's dryness and cleanliness. If the incision heals well within 23 weeks, it's important to return to the vet for suture removal.

Preventive Measures for Dog Ear Hematomas

● To prevent ear hematomas, it's advisable to regularly inspect your dog's ears. If you notice your dog frequently shaking its head or scratching its ears, it's crucial to identify and address the cause promptly.

● Regularly clean your dog's ears with petspecific ear cleaning solutions, such as Ear Cleanse (pet ear care liquid), once or twice a week to maintain ear hygiene and prevent the growth of bacteria and ear mites.

● Regularly deworm your dog and keep the environment clean to avoid your pet coming into contact with animals infected with ear mites, thereby preventing your dog from scratching its ears due to mite infection.

In summary, when dealing with ear hematoma in Golden Retrievers, it's generally recommended to opt for surgical treatment. While conservative treatment may temporarily resolve the hematoma, the risk of recurrence is high, which can only add to your dog's discomfort. Many pet owners ultimately choose surgery for their furry friends.