Dog's Swollen Ears Look Like Waterbags: Possible Causes

Oh no! Your furry friend's ears have swelled up, looking like a hot water bottle, and the skin is red and sore to the touch. What's going on here?

When you suddenly notice these symptoms in your dog's ears, it's a strong indication that they might have developed an aural hematoma. If left untreated, this condition can cause pain, discomfort, and even affect your dog's hearing. Moreover, if the hematoma bursts, it can lead to bacterial infections, which could escalate into more severe issues.

What is an Aural Hematoma?

The primary cause of an aural hematoma is often due to your dog frequently shaking their head or scratching at their ears. These actions can lead to tiny blood vessels in the ear breaking, causing bleeding. Dogs may exhibit such behaviors because their ears are being irritated, which can be triggered by:

Ear Mites: These parasites can cause intense itching.

Ear Infections: Both acute and chronic ear infections are common causes of ear swelling in dogs. They are typically caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, leading to red, painful ears, and sometimes pus.

External Trauma: Dogs' ears can be easily injured by collisions or scratches while outdoors, causing local bleeding and swelling, resembling a water balloon.

Allergic Reactions: Allergies to certain foods or environmental substances can also cause itching in your dog's ears.

Foreign Bodies: Things like grass seeds, dust, or other debris can enter the ear canal and cause discomfort.

How to Treat Aural Hematomas in Dogs?

For large, water balloonlike hematomas, it's generally not advisable to attempt selftreatment.

In such cases, the best course of action is to seek veterinary care immediately. Your vet may take the following steps:

Needle Aspiration: For mild cases, a veterinarian can use a 20mL syringe to aspirate the pooled blood, repeating the process multiple times. They will then apply a bandage to the area to reduce leakage.

Surgical Drainage: Some veterinarians may make a small incision in the ear's hematoma skin on the inside and squeeze out the blood, placing one or more drainage tubes to continuously drain the fluid. The tubes are then removed once the blood supply decreases and the vessels repair themselves.

Surgical Intervention: If the hematoma is large or prone to recurrence after aspiration, surgery may be necessary to completely remove the pooled blood. The vet may also place a soft tube or clip to reduce leakage and aid in the healing of the ear's tissues.

PostTreatment Care: During treatment, it's essential to address the underlying cause, such as administering oral or injectable antibiotics to control infections, identifying and avoiding allergens, and using dewormers to kill ear mites.

Preventive Measures

Regularly clean your dog's ears with a product like Ear Cleanse for Pets to prevent earwax buildup and the proliferation of ear mites and bacteria.

Regularly inspect your dog's ears, and if you notice a hematoma or any other issues, seek veterinary care promptly.

If your dog frequently scratches or shakes their head, consider using an Elizabethan Collar to prevent them from scratching. Then, investigate the cause and provide targeted treatment.

There are many reasons why a dog's ears might swell. As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to keep a close eye on your dog's health and seek medical attention for any concerns. Additionally, taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of your dog developing health issues.