What are aural hematomas in cats?
Also known as a blood blister, a hematoma is a pocket of blood that develops inside an organ or tissue. Aural (ear) hematomas can form between the skin and cartilage of your cat's ear flap. The size and location of hematomas can differ.
Though cats rarely develop hematomas, when they do it's important to understand which symptoms to watch for and what to do if your cat does develop one.
Signs of Ear Hematomas in Cats
Swelling in the ear is the most common sign of an ear hematoma. If the hematoma is large enough, the ear flap will swell and potentially droop.
The swelling may feel squishy or tight to the touch. Be gentle with your cat's ear because if the area is tender, they will most likely express their discomfort. In addition to changes in appearance, pay close attention to your cat's behavior. If their ear is irritated or tender, they might groom it more frequently or avoid contact.
What causes ear hematomas in cats?
An ear hematoma is typically caused by an injury or traumatic event. The small blood vessels in a cat's ear flap can rupture if they are damaged, causing them to leak blood internally. This results in a bloody pocket or swelling. Some of the most common causes of hematomas in a cat's ears include:
- Your kitty scratching at their ears or shaking their head due to ear mites, an ear infection, skin allergies, or a foreign object in the ear canal
- Scratching their ear on a sharp thorn or bush, or fighting with another cat
- Underlying health issues
Diagnosis & Treatment of Ear Hematomas in Cats
Your veterinarian will examine your cat's ears to assess the injury that's caused your cat's aural hematoma. They will also look for ear mites and infections, which commonly cause hematomas. This is especially true if your pet has a history of infections. Depending on the circumstances, your veterinarian may use a needle to collect a sample so the infection can be diagnosed.
Treatment
Surgery is the most frequently recommended treatment for ear hematomas. If the hematoma in your cat's ear is small and your pet cannot be safely sedated, your veterinarian may be able to drain the site using a needle. While this procedure is appropriate for some hematomas, it is not optimal, and the problem is likely to reoccur. Aural hematoma surgery provides a permanent solution to your pet's problem, and the surgical removal of hematomas can reduce scarring.
Your veterinarian will also treat the underlying cause of the hematoma (such as an infection or allergy).
Aural Hematoma Surgery for Cats
During the procedure, the veterinarian will make a small surgical incision in the ear flap in order to drain the blood pocket. Following the completion of the examination, your veterinarian will use very small sutures to close the pocket and prevent any further accumulation of blood or infection. For the purpose of preventing blood from pooling in the ear, the veterinarian will bandage the ear. To find out how much your cat's ear hematoma surgery will cost, contact your veterinarian directly.
What happens if you leave a cat's ear hematoma untreated?
If you do not treat an ear hematoma, it will heal on its own but will cause your cat discomfort for several weeks. Thick and wrinkled scar tissue frequently forms on both sides of the ear, making it appear and feel abnormal.
How to Help Your Cat Recover From Aural Hematoma Surgery
There may be some tenderness or discomfort in your cat's ear after the hematoma surgery; however, your veterinarian will make sure to provide medications to alleviate the pain, as well as to prevent infection and inflammation.
Make sure your cat wears an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching the surgical site and causing complications such as inflammation, bleeding, pulled stitches, or infection.
Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions and advice on how to care for your feline companion at home while they recover from surgery. In addition, your veterinarian will advise you on when you should return for follow-up appointments and have the stitches removed.
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 vet.