HELP! Aural Hematoma Questions

[ndraines]

I'm just devastated about my little boy. I found a hematoma on his ear on Thursday. I took him to the vet on Friday and they drained 6 cc's out (about a teaspoon full) and taped his hear across his head.

The vet said that the hematoma was relatively small and that we had a 50/50 chance of it healing. They told us to unwrap it after 24 hours which we did just about 20 minutes ago. After unwrapping his ear we see that the fluid came back with almost as much as before (a little less than the size of a quarter). Even under the bandage the fluid came back.

What do we do? I really don't want him to have surgery and come back with a deformed ear. Does anyone have any pictures of post-op ears from hematoma surgery?

I would like to have it drained again (at the tune of $63 each time) instead of going to surgery. I just can't imagine having do go through this each time with no positive result.

We would be grateful for any advice/help.

 

[mybubbieroo]

Most of the time I think they do have surgery,but there are some others on here that have had this same problem. Read down through this forum and you will find some more information. Good luck and hope your baby gets well soon!

 

[Dham]

The surgery does make their ear slightly deformed. They basically make a slit down the inside ear and then make numerous sutures to suture the skin shut so fluid will not beable to form once healed. I can tell instantly when an ear has been done just by the firm bumpy feeling.

 

[Dham]

$63.00 sounds like alot to drain an ear. Do they have to use anestesia each time?

 

[Thira's Mom]

My sister's pitbull is going through this right now. They drained the hematoma via surgery then sutured the ear. Unfortunately, she scratched the bandages off and had to have the surgery performed a second time - to the tune of $600 CDN in less than a week. Poor thing, her entire head is wrapped in an ace bandage and she has to wear a cone. I believe she is on antibiotics to help with healing. The sutures will come out on Wednesday. Sending your pup healing vibes - I know how difficult this is.