You may have noticed your dog scratching their heads with their paws or vigorously shaking their heads. While these are common canine habits, the culprit could be hematomas. The blisters can cause significant pain and affect your dog’s hearing, skin, and overall health. Here’s what you need to know about hematomas, their symptoms, and how veterinarians treat them.

A Guide to Hematoma Treatment in Dogs

What Is It?

Hematomas are blisters that form after a blood vessel has ruptured in the skin. The blood-filled sacs will typically emerge inside a dog’s ear, under the skin, and in extreme cases, within internal organs. They are generally caused by ear infections.

Veterinarians have also traced hematomas to underlying medical conditions such as blood clots, ear injuries, immune system diseases, and skin allergies. 

What Are The Symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms include skin discoloration and swelling, particularly where the hematoma is located. If your dog pulls back or yelps when their ears are touched, a blister may be present.

When a dog is irritated by inner ear pain, they will typically shake their head constantly, which is another symptom. Veterinarians also tell pet owners to pay attention to any physical changes in the ear shape. For example, ruptures, breaks, and other deformities could be caused by a hematoma. 

How They Are Treated

Lancing and draining the blood and fluid inside a hematoma is one way veterinarians offer treatment. For the dog’s comfort, the procedure is typically done under anesthesia. To prevent recurring hematomas, a drain may be placed in the ear to stop fluid buildup. 

If your furry loved one has an ear infection, treatment will include clearing it first. Since the infection is generally a symptom of the hematoma, a thorough diagnosis helps determine the cause of the ear ailment. While the dog is in recovery, they may need to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent contact with the head and ears.

If you suspect your dog is experiencing a painful hematoma, turn to Petplex Animal Hospital in Buckeye Lake, OH. They specialize in expert medical diagnosis and treatment to ensure your pet is healthy and happy. The team of professional and compassionate veterinarians and staff use state-of-the-art equipment such as a pet CT scanner for accurate detection. For your convenience, general veterinary services are available in Heath and Newark, while emergency care is available in Granville, Reynoldsburg, and Pataskala (Licking County). Call (740) 929-3300 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website for the hospital’s full lineup of services.