aural haematoma - help

niklepic

I've just noticed our little old lady doggy has got what i suspect to be an aural haematoma and probably yet another ear infection (she's a little prone to the infections).

I'm going to ring to get her in the vet first thing tomorrow but does anyone have any idea of what treatment we might expect for the haematoma?

sharon59

think the vet will be able to draw the fluid off with a syringe to relieve the swelling -they can then treat the dog with antibiotics if it has got an ear infection that has caused it to scratch and cause the haematoma.its a simple remedy that wont cause dog any real pain-as the swelling goes down they will be more comfortable.Hope she is better soon.

niklepic

Thanks for that - makes me feel a little better. i was anticipating a major op!

She's looking very sorry for herself poor baby.

niklepic

Just back from the vets and she needs an operation. the vet tried to lance it but she was a big wimp and wouldn't let him. Really worried now about the anaeesthetic because she's 11 now and an old lady!!

TheShrew

Hi there!
Aural haematomas are a right pain, because if you just drain them you are leaving a space in the ear that will just fill up again straight away(in nearly all cases). Draining is normally only a temporary painrelief thing.
Its normally fairly quick surgery. They cut a longish hole in the underside of the ear to drain it all out and they either put lots of stitches in or sew a absorbent pad to the ear so any fluid can drain out. The two sides of the ear scar together eventually so it wont recur.
its really important to treat the underlying ear condition, infection etc, because it could still happen again the future mostly because of them shaking their heads.
Even old dogs cope well with anaesthetics now, a lot of the drugs are a lot safer than they used to be. I expect your vets will offer you a blood test before the surgery, to check her kidneys etc, and as long as thats fine she should do ok. Its worth paying for that blood test because if she has got another problem like early kidney problems you know whether its worth paying for her to be on a drip etc. I'd follow your vets advice when it comes to all that stuff.
Anyway, hope that helps and wasn't too waffley!
Sx