INTRODUCTION

An aural hematoma is a
collection of blood within the
cartilage plate of the ear and
the skin and usually arises as a
self-inflicted injury from
scratching and head shaking.
concave surface of the pinna
may be involved
Causes
otitis externa (infection of the
external ear canal).
Hematoma formation has also
been associated with increased
capillary fragility (e.g., as seen
with Cushing's disease).
Head shaking may cause
sinusoidal wave motions in the
ear, resulting in fracture of the
cartilage
 Incidence and Prevalence
Aural hematoma is the most
common result of physical
injury to the pinna (the flap
of the ear).
The condition is common in
dogs with chronic otitis
externa, and less common in
cats.
Signs and Symptoms
Swelling associated with aural
hematoma is most apparent on
the concave inner surface of the
pinna
The swelling is soft and warm
in the early stages.
With chronicity, fibrosis and
contraction will thicken and
deform the ear, resulting in a
cauliflower contracture
Risk Factors

These include inflammation,

immune mediated diseases,
allergies, parasites, and foreign
bodies
Most patients usually have an
associated otitis externa.
Recurrence of the condition is
common if the underlying
condition is not resolved.
Exam, Screening Tests

A fine needle aspirate and

cytology of the content of
swollen earflap may be
necessary to confirm the
diagnosis
Aural hematoma must be
differentiated from abscesses
and tumors of the pinna
 Complications

Deformity of the ear pinna,

from fibrosis and contracture
This typically will leave the
animal with a cauliflower
ear
Treatment Options

Needle aspiration and

bandages,

Tube drainage systems

Incisional drainage
SURGICAL TECHNIQUES
S-shaped incision on the concave
surface of the ear
Remove the fibrin clot and irrigate
the cavity
Place - to 1-cm long sutures
through the skin on the concave
surface of the ear
Sutures parallel to the major vessels
(vertical rather than horizontal)
ample number of sutures
Place a light protective bandage
over the ear
Tube drainage

Make a stab incision in the

proximal and distal limits of
the hematoma.
Empty the hematoma of fluid
and fibrin, and use a mosquito
or alligator forceps to bring
the drain into the hematoma
cavity.
Suture the ends of the drain to
the skin where they protrude
from the cavity
Reference books for detailed study