Section: Follow-up
A veterinary consultation should be sought as soon as an aural hematoma is discovered, although this is NOT a surgical emergency.
Complete the course of medications (topical, oral or both) for the treatment of an underlying ear disease, if one was found.
Where a bandage is used, check under the neck region to make sure it is not too tight and does not interfere with breathing.
Monitor your pet for tolerance of a bandage or collar. Call your veterinarian if this is a problem.
When there is no bandage, check the incision daily for excessive swelling or redness. A watery, bloody discharge is considered normal for the first few days following surgery.
Return to your veterinarian in 10 to 14 days for suture removal. Most dogs will tolerate this procedure without the need for sedation.
Check your dog's ears frequently, at least once a week, feeling around the base of the ear for any pain or discomfort and looking down the ear canal for waxy build up, redness or any other type of discharge. The ear canal should be open, clean and not inflamed. If it is inflamed, you should consult with your veterinarian. Do not be tempted to probe the ear yourself with something like a Q-tip, as it is possible to damage inadvertently the canal or ear drum. If your pet has a history of ear infections, this type of monitoring will be even more important.
At the earliest signs of head shaking, consult with your vet. Very few dogs that actually have outer ear disease go on to get an aural hematoma, but addressing the underlying ear problem early will help to prevent the occurrence of this troublesome secondary disease.
Related Articles
-
1
Ear Discharge in Dogs
Some dogs tend to produce more wax than others, and keeping the ears clean helps prevent problems. For others, ear discharge is often a sign of trouble - most often the dreaded ear infection or ear mite.
...
» Read More
-
2
Chronic Ear Problems in Dogs
Ear disease is one of the most frequent reasons owners seek veterinary help. There are many causes of ear problems, ranging from foreign objects, infections, trauma or even tumors.
» Read More
-
3
Ear Mites in Dogs
Ear mites are the most common mite to infest dogs and they are very contagious, usually spreading to most dogs in the household. These mites are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canals.
» Read More
-
4
Otitis Externa in Dogs
Otitis externa, or external ear canal disease, is a common condition in dogs and is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue components of the external ear canal and is particularly prevalent in...
» Read More
