750 Days and Still Waiting: Hematoma in Dog’s Ear Hasn’t Stopped Bubba’s Hope for a Forever Home
Senior dogs are often overlooked at shelters and rescues, dismissed for the challenges they may bring, but people forget the huge amount of love they have to offer. An adorable senior dog called Bubba has been waiting for a long time to find a home that will love and take care of him.
The 7-year-old dog is a Pitbull mix first came to the shelter in August 2022, which means he has been without a family for more than 2 years. Now, he is with Home Fur Good, a no-kill animal rescue based in Phoenix, Arizona, who are trying to find this dog the loving home he deserves.
Dog Riddled With Ear Problems
Bubba has endured not only the heartbreak of being overlooked for adoption but also a series of health challenges, particularly with his ears. He has battled many hematomas (learn more about them below) and ear infections, leading to a collapsed right inner ear.
As a result, Bubba now requires his ears to be regularly cleaned but the good thing is that the sweet dog doesn’t mind the cleanings. Moreover, he is also fond of massages and likes having his body rubbed during a bath, making the bathing process hassle-free.
Bubba Has A Big Body And An Even Bigger Heart
Weighing 92 pounds, Bubba is a large furry friend who loves all humans – from adults to children. The way he enjoys hugging and kissing people, it is safe to call him a gentle giant.
Even though Bubba is in his golden years, he likes to go on brisk walks and can even jog for a few miles with his long legs. The senior canine also has an appreciation for food and especially favors sweet potato treats.
Bubba is available for adoption as well as permanent foster. His adoption fee is $150. If you decide to permanently foster him, you will receive a big help from The Grey Muzzle Foundation, which provides a grant. As part of this grant, Bubba’s health-related expenses will be paid by Home Fur Good, including his vet visits, medications, dental care, prescription food, and any other medical care required.
Hematoma in Dogs
As per the medical experts at Small Door Veterinary, “Commonly found in dogs, an ear hematoma, also referred to as an aural hematoma, is a blood-filled pocket on the inside of the ear flap.” This condition causes significant discomfort and swelling, which can be distressing for both dogs and the pet parents.
Hematoma in a dog’s ear heals on their own in the absence of treatment. However, the healing process generally takes weeks, which means the dog will have to endure the pain and discomfort for a long time.
Symptoms of Ear Hematoma in Dogs
If you suspect your dog has an ear hematoma, it’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms. You can also look up pictures of ear hematomas in dogs to familiarize yourself with the condition’s appearance.
A common indicator of an ear hematoma is the ear’s abnormal appearance. The ear may:
- Appear thicker and inflamed, resembling a “cauliflower ear”
- Have a lump or fluid-filled pocket
- Feel firm or soft and fluctuant to the touch
Other signs to look for:
- All or part of the ear flap filled with fluid
- Itching and scratching around the ear
- Frequent head-shaking
- Tilting of the head sideways
These symptoms not only indicate an ear hematoma but may also suggest an underlying condition that needs diagnosis and treatment. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs, as hematomas in a dog’s ear can be extremely painful for the poor animal.
What Causes A Hematoma in a Dog’s Ear?
“The most common cause of an ear hematoma in dogs is an ear infection or other irritation within the ear. Dog ear infections cause irritation that results in headshaking, which in turn, causes ear hematoma,” states Dr. Christina Fernandez, a veterinarian at PetMD.
Other causes of ear hematoma include:
- Allergies
- Some foreign object stuck in the dog’s ear
- Immune disorders
- Blood clotting disease
- Allergic skin disease
- Traumatic injuries
- Ear mites
How To Diagnose Ear Hematoma in Dogs?
Ear hematomas are typically diagnosed first through a physical examination by a veterinarian. They are likely to look for these signs:
- Warmth and swelling in the earflap
- Redness and inflammation on the inside of the ear
- Association with ear infections or persistent headshaking
After a thorough physical examination, your veterinarian may perform an otoscopic examination of the ear canal to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause. In addition, they can collect an ear swab or sample for cytology
In cytology analysis, the ear swab is examined under a microscope to detect the presence of bacteria and/or yeast, identify potential infections or allergies, and guide targeted treatment.
Treatment For Hematoma in Dog’s Ear
Now that you know about ear or aural hematomas in dogs, you must be wondering, “How do you treat a hematoma in a dog’s ear?” Dr. Fernandez says, “Several different dog ear hematoma treatments exist to reduce the swelling.” Let’s explore.
Medical Management
You can go for these options if do not want to opt for surgery or you can combine these with the surgical procedure for effective management of ear hematomas:
- Steroids to reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics to treat infections
- Pain relievers to manage discomfort
A Reddit user, u/ctrl-acv talks about how their 11-year-old dog was diagnosed with ear hematoma. They wrote, “The vet gave me two options – leave it alone or remove it surgically. I decided to leave it alone and gently massage his ear every 1-2 hours,” They said.
“The vet also prescribed a painkiller and antibacterial. It took 2 months to deflate and he can no longer control his ear (direct it where the sound is coming from, or make it stand up when he hears something), and it became a cauliflower ear which feels a bit heavy compared to the unaffected ear,” they added.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is often recommended for large, painful, or obstructive ear hematomas. This approach helps prevent scarring and permanent deformity of the ear. Surgery typically involves draining the hematoma under anesthesia. During the procedure, the hematoma is pierced and drained, which may require multiple sessions due to the risk of recurrence.
Following surgical drainage, a drain is usually placed in the ear to prevent fluid buildup. Alternatively, an incision with strategically placed sutures may be used to promote drainage and prevent fluid accumulation. This ensures the hematoma does not refill and allows the ear to heal properly.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
Effective treatment of ear hematomas requires identifying and addressing the underlying cause of head shaking. Common culprits include ear infections, ear mites, and allergies. Treating these conditions is crucial to preventing future hematomas.
Treating ear hematomas involves a two-pronged approach. First, the hematoma itself must be managed through medical or surgical means. Secondly, the underlying condition causing head shaking must be addressed.
How To Treat Hematoma in Dog’s Ear at Home
According to Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, a veterinarian, small ear hematomas may resolve on their own, with the body naturally reabsorbing the blood. However, it’s crucial to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Even if the hematoma seems minor, identifying and treating the root cause is essential. Ignoring the underlying issue can lead to repeated hematomas.
By seeking veterinary care, you can ensure your dog receives proper treatment and prevent potential complications.
