Ears - swelling of ear flap

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Fluid filled swellings can occur suddenly under the skin of the ear flap and understandably cause owners great concern. These are generally soft, painless and fluid filled. The fluid is blood and the condition is called an aural haematoma.

The ear flap (pinna) is made up mainly of a support layer of cartilage sandwiched between two layers of skin. Violent shaking of the head, usually as a consequence of ear disease, results in the rupture of small blood vessels and the formation of a blood blister (haematoma). Once the pressure inside the blister reaches the same as blood pressure the bleeding will stop. If left alone the blood will clot and the serum resorbed. However, the scar tissue formed will contract causing a “cauliflower” ear common to rugby players.

Small haematomas can be left to heal, but if large the weight may cause your dog distress. The contracture may cause cosmetic problems.

Simple drainage will result in the pressure inside the haematoma reducing and a resumption of bleeding so that the haematoma reforms. Alternative techniques involve the drainage of the haematoma and suturing to avoid refilling, or drainage and the injection of steroid. Your veterinarian will advise.

What your veterinarian will want to know

The diagnosis is usually straight forward. However, your veterinarian will want to find out what caused the head shaking in the first place and so will want to investigate any cause of ear infection.

What your veterinarian may do

Your veterinarian will first want to ascertain the cause of the head shaking and treat appropriately. He will then discuss the options of doing nothing versus drainage and suture / injection of steroid.