As a pet owner, you want to keep your animal friend comfortable, safe, and happy, but some conditions can be difficult to spot without prior knowledge. Among the most common issues dogs face are hematomas. They usually form in the ears but can arise anywhere on the body. Gain an understanding of these problems with the guide below to recognize when to visit a veterinarian.

What Is a Hematoma?

A hematoma occurs when blood vessels burst and cause a blood-filled blister to form. It typically arises in a dog’s ears due to minor injuries, rough scratching, or infections. Sometimes, a canine can develop an internal hematoma caused by traumatic injuries, such as clotting disorders or falls. 

Blood will build up in the affected area, like the earflap, when this condition develops. As a result, the impacted spot will swell, prompting your pet to shake its head vigorously or scratch excessively.

What Are Common Hematoma Symptoms?

Common symptoms of a canine hematoma include swelling and redness, head-shaking, and scratching at the injured area. An earflap can also feel warm to the touch, and your pet may exhibit pain, discomfort, or aversion to touch.

Internal hematomas are typically more severe and can come with serious symptoms such as persistent pain, seizures, incontinence, and coma. Regardless of the cause, contact a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment after noticing any signs of this condition.

How Does a Veterinarian Treat a Hematoma?

An aural, or ear, hematoma often heals on its own, but this will take several weeks. In the meantime, your pet can experience constant discomfort or pain. To address the problem, a veterinarian will recommend prescription antibiotics, steroids, and pain relievers in combination with draining the built-up blood.

The affected area sometimes refills with blood. If this occurs, you will need to drain the hematoma again. Your dog can also require a cone-shaped Elizabethan collar or bandaged ears to protect the organs while they heal. In cases of internal hematoma, your pet can need surgery to locate and remove the blood clot or treat the injury causing the issue. A veterinarian will also identify an underlying cause of the condition and recommend ways to prevent the problem from recurring.

If you’re worried that your dog has a hematoma, visit Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital in Elkton, MD. Dr. Douglas Foreman and Dr. Roberta Mauro have extensive training and experience with hematomas and other common illnesses and injuries. They use the latest medical techniques and equipment to diagnose and treat their canine patients and help them stay comfortable and healthy. Call (410) 398-1331 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their services.