Dog ear haematoma
An aural haematoma in dogs, also referred to as an ear haematoma, is a localised mass of blood that is confined within the ear flap.
The aural haematoma in dogs can be caused by aggressive headshaking and/or scratching. The tissue of the ear flap (or 'pinna') is very thin, and when it’s injured, the blood vessels can break. The space between the ear cartilage and skin fills up with blood and fluid, causing the ear to swell rather quickly, and forming a balloon-like nodule on the dog’s ear.
Underlying causes include:
Yeast or bacterial infections in or around the ear
Allergies
Trauma to the ear e.g. a dog bite.
Ear mites
Blood disorders
Any breed of dog can develop ear haematomas, but those with larger ear flaps are more susceptible.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2025 | Review date May 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Symptoms of dog ear haematoma
Swelling of the ear flap (partial or entire), which may look inflated like a balloon
Pain, head shaking, and scratching
Head tilt towards the affected ear
If untreated, the ear may shrivel and harden ('cauliflower ear')
Possible discharge from the ear (brown or yellow) and a bad smell
When to contact your vet
Aural haematoma is not an emergency, but we recommend getting them checked with your vet as soon as possible, ideally within 1-2 days.
Diagnosis
Initial observation: your vet will visually inspect the dog's earflap for swelling, redness, and heat, which are characteristic of a haematoma.
Palpation: your vet will gently feel the earflap to assess its firmness and fluctuance (like a water balloon), further confirming the haematoma.
Needle aspiration: in some cases, a needle may be used to remove fluid from the haematoma to confirm that it's blood.
Otoscopic examination: the ear canal will be examined with an otoscope to check for any signs of infection, parasites, or foreign bodies that may be causing the haematoma. A sample from the ear canal (swab) may be taken to check for infection.
How to treat aural hematoma in dogs
Anti-inflammatory medication
Drain the ear, this can be done consciously by a needle or by surgery
Buster collar to prevent further damage
Treatment of any infections based on the swab results e.g. topical ear drops or anti-parasitic spot-on medication.
Management of any underlying causes such as allergy or hormonal diseases
How to prevent ear haematoma in dogs
It can be difficult to prevent an ear haematoma from developing but focusing on avoiding ear diseases by:
Regularly check your pet’s ears for redness, smell and discharge.
Avoid known triggers such as swimming.
If your pet has a known allergy, keep the condition well managed.
Parasite prevention, by keeping your dog up to date on flea and tick preventative medications, as these parasites can cause irritation and itching that can lead to head shaking.
If your dog has a history of aural haematoma or predisposed to ear trauma, consider using an e-collar to protect the ears.
Outlook
The outlook for aural hematoma in dogs is good to excellent with most cases resolving within a few weeks, as long as the underlying cause is addressed and a prompt treatment is in place. If not, the haematoma may come back again.