An aural, or ear, hematoma is a swelling in the earflap
resulting from an injury. When the tiny blood vessels in the ear's
cartilage rupture and bleed, the hematoma - a firm, fluid - filled
swelling - will appear within the dog's ear. The examining
veterinarian will be able to treat this hematoma by any of several
procedures that drain the fluid. Minor surgery may be required. An
aural (ear) hematoma is a collection of blood, serum, or a clotted
blood within the pinna (earflap). When present, the pinna will be
very thick. The swelling may involve the entire pinna or it may
involve only one area. The earflap is composed of a two layers of
skin surrounding a layer of cartilage. The cartilage gives the
earflap its shape. Blood vessels go from side-to-side by passing
through the cartilage. Violent shaking can cause the vessels to
break as the skin slides across the cartilage; however, in some
cases, the cause remains undetermined.
