Why is my dog's ear swollen, bleeding, painful, and has discharge?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 6th, 2018

  HI, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Biko!
  
  It appears as though Biko has an aural (ear) hematoma. This occurs when there is a break in the ear cartilage and fluid fills up between the skin and the cartilage in the ear pinna. The most common reason is from shaking the head due to an ear infection. There are many treatments: draining the hematoma with or with out instilling steroids, not draining and using oral steroids to surgery. But you have to treat the underlying cause which is the ear infection. Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast and/or bacteria. The ears needs to be cleaned and have medicated drops applied. Biko should see his Vet for an exam. The vet can provide medications for the ear infection, relieve his discomfort and provide option for the hematoma.
  
  https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=566
  
  I wish Biko th ebest!

  

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• Answered By Elva Ma DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 18th, 2017

  Hello, and thank you for your question and photos. It looks like Khaleesi may have an aural hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood in the ear flap. This can occur when a dog scratches or shakes their head too aggressively, and some blood vessels in the ear flap break open. It seems like the hematoma opened up in the second photo, which may actually provide Khaleesi some temporary relief. However, it is now an open wound that can get infected. It can also become a hematoma again once the area closes up. It is best to get her to a vet who can check for an underlying cause (e.g. ear infection) and get her on the right anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication if necessary. In the meantime, you can gently clean the area with dilute betadine solution (diluted 1:10 with water), and keep an e-collar (cone) on her head to prevent scratching.
  
  Other possibilities could be an abscess or cyst in the ear flap. Any of these options would still warrant a visit to your vet.
  
  I hope this helps, and that Khaleesi is feeling better soon!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 13th, 2019

  Bella needs to see the veterinarian. It looks like she has a hematoma which is a pocket of blood under the skin. It’s caused by a ruptured blood vessel-don’t worry, she won’t lose too much blood.
  Usually the pet is shaking the head due to an ear infection, an allergic reaction, or even something like a Mast Cell Tumor (a malignant skin cancer) causing a histamine release.
  From what I can see, the ear canal looks very swollen as well. Bella may need steroids as well as the underlying cause identified and treated.
  A cool (not cold) compress may temporarily make her ear feel better but it won’t treat an infection or remove the excess blood.
  I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 21st, 2018

  Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Wendy! It could be that she has an aural hematoma, which is when blood and fliud build up between the layers of the pinna. This is typically a sequel to an ear infection. The ear infection irritates the dog, leading to it scratching it and shaking it’s head, thus causing the hematoma. There are several approaches to treating it, including draining it and injecting steroids into it, but that needs to be done by the vet. I’d make Wendy an appointment with her vet to have to treated in the next few days. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful