What is an ear hematoma?
Ear hematomas, also known as aural hematomas, are small blood blisters that can develop in cats due to injury or trauma to the soft tissue. They can vary in size and location, but in the case of ear hematomas, they appear between the skin and cartilage of your cat's ear flap. While they don't occur frequently in cats, pet parents need to know what to look for and what to do if their cat develops an ear hematoma.
If a hematoma is diagnosed, your cat will need ear surgery to drain the blood. After draining the blood, the veterinarian will close the area properly to reduce the risk of a future hematoma. If the pet cannot undergo anesthesia or the hematoma is small, the veterinary surgeon may drain it. While this method will clear up the hematoma, it is not a permanent solution, as this condition has a high risk of reoccurring.
If your cat has an ear hematoma, ear surgery is usually recommended to prevent excessive scarring. By treating the cause of the ear hematoma, the veterinarian will help prevent this condition from developing again.
Ear Hematoma Surgery for Cats
The diagnosis of ear hematomas usually results in the recommendation of surgery for cats. If surgery is required, the steps of the procedure may vary slightly between practitioners. However, the basic surgical process remains similar. These steps include:
- A small incision will be made at each end of the hematoma, and the blood will be drained from the pinna. A drain tube may be passed through the hematoma and sutured to the ear to remove any remaining blood or serum. In some cases, the veterinary surgeon may remove the skin covering the hematoma to prevent reoccurrence.
- The veterinary surgeon will place a series of sutures (stitches) through the ear flap to completely remove the space previously occupied by the blood by holding both layers of skin to the cartilage.
- The pinna should be stabilized to prevent further damage. It can be supported by a bandage or other material applied directly to the ear or by bandaging the ear against the head. Shaking the ear after the pinna has been sutured may cause further damage.
The veterinary team will address any underlying causes of hematomas, including allergies, infections, foreign bodies, or other medical conditions.
How much does cat ear hematoma surgery cost?
The cost of surgery to address ear hematomas in cats and their underlying causes varies between locations and veterinary surgeons. Other factors that impact the cost of your cat's ear hematoma surgery include the severity of the hematoma and your cat's overall health.
If your cat requires surgical treatment for an aural hematoma, the veterinary team will provide an accurate estimate, including a breakdown of each individual item if necessary. They can also answer any questions you have related to the cost of the surgery.
Your cat had ear hematoma surgery. What can you expect during recovery?
Your veterinarian may remove drainage tubes or bandages as needed over the first 14 days after surgery. One or more drainage holes from the drain or incision may be left to heal by scar tissue. The sutures may be removed after two weeks if the ear has completely healed by this point in recovery. In severe cases, some or all of the sutures may be left in place for up to two weeks longer.
Any fluids discharged from the surgery site should be cleaned with mild cleansing soap. If an infection is present, it must be treated, and the ear canal must be examined once treatment is complete to ensure it has cleared up. Otherwise, a new hematoma may occur.
How long does recovery take after surgery?
If your cat has been treated for an ear hematoma, the recovery after surgery typically ranges from one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the hematoma and the individual cat's healing process. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the veterinarian to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
What can you expect as your cat recovers?
After the procedure, your cat may feel tenderness or discomfort for the first few days. Your veterinarian will provide medications to manage pain and prevent infection and inflammation. They will also give you instructions and advice on caring for your cat at home while they recover from surgery, such as wound care and tips to prevent complications. Additionally, your veterinarian will let you know when to return for follow-up visits and when to remove the stitches.
Your veterinary surgeon may also recommend that your cat wear a cone (Elizabethan collar or e-collar) to prevent scratching or rubbing the surgical site, causing inflammation, bleeding, pulled stitches, or infection.
Surgical Procedures in Halifax
At Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital, we are proud to have a full veterinary team and a veterinary surgeon on-site to address a variety of surgical needs. We offer an extensive range of advanced soft tissue surgeries, including ear hematoma surgery.
When your cat is referred to our surgery department, we will promptly contact you to schedule a consultation with our surgical team. During this appointment, we will thoroughly assess your cat and discuss the diagnosis. Additionally, we will recommend any necessary diagnostic tests and treatments while providing in-depth explanations of any procedures we recommend and a detailed overview of associated risks and expected outcomes for your feline friend.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.