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Treatment

Many different treatments exist for ear hematomas. The fluid within the hematoma can be drained but the hematoma is likely to recur and may need to be drained numerous times. Many veterinarians prefer to lance the hematoma and drain the fluid under anesthesia. In most cases, a drain is placed in the ear to keep additional fluid from building up within the ear flap or, alternatively, sutures or other devices may be placed through the ear flap to discourage additional accumulation of fluid and recurrence of the hematoma.

If ear disease is present, it will need to be treated simultaneously.

Prevention

Preventing ear infections is often effective in preventing ear hematoma formation. When ear infections do occur, they should be treated promptly to avoid the formation of a hematoma.