Swollen dog ear. Video of an ear hematoma and how a vet fixes it

Hi Everyone!

My name is Dan, and I am a veterinarian. Today I am showing a video of an ear hematoma and how a vet will fix an ear hematoma.

A dog ear hematoma (also called an aural hematoma) is a fairly common ear problem in dogs. I’ll explain what it is, why it happens, and how veterinarians fix it—in clear, everyday terms.

What is an ear hematoma?
An ear hematoma is a pocket of blood that forms between the skin and cartilage of a dog’s ear flap (pinna).
It makes the ear look swollen, puffy, and sometimes floppy, almost like a water balloon.

Why do ear hematomas happen?
They don’t usually happen on their own. Most are caused by head shaking or ear scratching, which breaks tiny blood vessels inside the ear.

Common triggers include:
Ear infections (most common cause)
Allergies
Ear mites
Foreign material in the ear
Trauma or rough head shaking
So the hematoma is often a symptom, not the original problem.

Is it painful?
Yes. Ear hematomas are usually:
Tender or painful
Warm to the touch
Annoying enough that the dog may keep shaking their head

Left untreated, the ear can heal incorrectly and become thick and wrinkled—often called “cauliflower ear.”

How is a dog ear hematoma fixed?
Treatment depends on size, severity, and how long it’s been there.
1. Treat the underlying cause (very important!)
The vet will:
Examine the ear
Treat any ear infection, allergies, or mites
If this isn’t addressed, the hematoma will likely come back.
2. Draining the hematoma
Small or early hematomas may be treated by:
Needle drainage of the blood
Sometimes followed by steroid medication
⚠️ These often refill, so this method is best for mild cases.
3. Surgery (most reliable treatment)
For larger or recurring hematomas, surgery is the gold standard.

During surgery:
The blood is removed
The ear skin is stitched to the cartilage using small sutures
This prevents the space from refilling
The ear is bandaged or supported
Healing usually takes 2–3 weeks.

4. Other techniques (case-by-case)
Some vets may use:
Drains
Laser therapy
Steroid injections

These can work but may not be as reliable as surgery.
What is recovery like?
Dogs usually go home the same day
Pain meds and antibiotics may be prescribed
An E-collar (cone) is often required
Follow-up visits are needed to remove sutures or drains
Most dogs recover very well when treated promptly.
Can ear hematomas be prevented?

You can reduce the risk by:
Treating ear infections early
Keeping ears clean and dry
Managing allergies
Watching for excessive head shaking