Ear Hematoma (Sr. Labrador)

SandGirl · ‎03-09-2010

my 12 year old baby has a hematoma on his ear. we took him to the vet about 8 days ago and they gave us some gel/medicine stuff to put on it but it hasn't gone down yet - It does NOT seem to bother him, he lets me touch it and has no sign of pain.

He doesn't have an ear infection and we feed him high end, limited ingredient dog food plus he gets a multi, fish oils, glucosamine - he's spoiled, he's my baby!

Right now I am trying Homeopath Arnica and Hammamelis Virginiana and that seems to be really helping (I think the Arnica is even helping with his hips too cause he is getting up more)!!

Just wondering if any of you have had experience with Ear Hematoma's and what you ended up doing for them. Some get surgery (my boy is to old to be under anestisia) and some say it will just re-absorb back in the body over time.

TIA for your response

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

Years and years ago, in the early 1980's my Sheltie got an Ear Hematoma. I believe they are from scratching or other trauma. She had surgery and was ok. I am an RN and remember asking the vet if it would re-absorb and he said no. That being said your baby is too old to be put under anesthesia so I would just do what the Vet says. It will probably be ok.

dklcat5 · ‎08-11-2012

My goldens had this several times. THey loved the water and shook their heads so hard the bottom of ear was bruised, broke blood vessels and swelled up 1-2 Inches high. However, each time the vet lanced it. I can say that my husband had a golfball sized hematoma on his elbow and the Dr. said that it would eventually absorb. We thought it never would, but about 6-7 months later, it was gone. His was not painful.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.....Corrie ten Boom

SandGirl · ‎03-09-2010

On 2/16/2014 dklcat5 said:
My goldens had this several times. THey loved the water and shook their heads so hard the bottom of ear was bruised, broke blood vessels and swelled up 1-2 Inches high. However, each time the vet lanced it. I can say that my husband had a golfball sized hematoma on his elbow and the Dr. said that it would eventually absorb. We thought it never would, but about 6-7 months later, it was gone. His was not painful.

This is GREAT to know!! My friend that is a nurse said it will reabsorb as well. Just a worried mama I suppose!

candys mine · ‎08-20-2012

It probably will go down. Most likely it will heal wrinkled up though. Please keep an eye on him. He is an old boy and if he has developed a hematoma for no obvious reason perhaps something more is going on.

kinda silly · ‎08-11-2010

Oh Sandgirl! I know how worried you must be. My lab had a bacterial and a yeast infection with a hematoma in his ear this fall. The doctor put him on an antibiotic, pain med, and ear drops with antibiotic and yeast control properties. It took about a month, and it all cleared up. I believe he had the ear infection from swimming every day. I hope you lab heals quickly and painlessly. They bring so much joy and love to us, don't they.

SandGirl · ‎03-09-2010

On 2/16/2014 candys mine said:
It probably will go down. Most likely it will heal wrinkled up though. Please keep an eye on him. He is an old boy and if he has developed a hematoma for no obvious reason perhaps something more is going on.

I don't mind the wrinkled ear, his show days are over (joking of course, I never showed him) I didn't leave the house all weekend just so I could be with him, its going to be hard returning to work tomorrow....urg!! I will for sure be keeping a close eye on him.

free-spirit · ‎03-09-2010

I think the dog needs more medical attention.

If not cared for properly hematomas can potentially leave them deaf.

I have owned many labs over the years and have dealt with this.

My vet drains the blood and puts in some big loose stitches so it can't swell again. Often this can be done with you present if they make the dog drowsy.

SandGirl · ‎03-09-2010

On 2/17/2014 free-spirit said:
I think the dog needs more medical attention.

If not cared for properly hematomas can potentially leave them deaf.

I have owned many labs over the years and have dealt with this.

My vet drains the blood and puts in some big loose stitches so it can't swell again. Often this can be done with you present if they make the dog drowsy.

I asked MANY questions at the vet including hearing issues and he said NO it would not cause hearing issues, it could if it was INSIDE the ear but this one is at the bottom of his ear flap. The worst he could end up with is a crinkled looking ear. He is 12 (even if he was 2) so I am not concerned with what his ear looks like, he's not a piece of art to me, he's my big hearted baby!