Aural Hematoma

Aural hematoma is a localized collection of blood on the ear pinna due to rupture of capillaries caused by intense shaking of ear or blunt injuries. During our field attachment period we assisted in the surgical treatment of aural hematoma in a dog.

The owner's complaint was that the dog was intensely shaking its head and scratching the ear leading to formation of a fluctuating lump on the ear. Diagnostic technique performed to confirm for aural hematoma was FNA, where the contents of the lump was examined by inserting a needle and withdrawing. Upon withdrawl, we confirmed its an aural hematoma.

The treatment procedure includes shaving, disinfecting and incision is made on the concave surface of the pinna to drain the accumulated blood, followed by flushing the inner part of the ear with Normal saline and concentrated iodine. The wound was then apposed properly and closed using a interrupted vertical mattress suture pattern. Antibiotic ointments were applied and the wound was bandaged using antiseptic bandages.

During the procedure i assisted the doctor in suturing the ear and monitoring its vital signs until the patient returned to its normal physiological state.