STRESSED STEEDS

(Page 4 of 4)

August/September 1996
By Andrea Loone, D.V.M. 
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—Mark Friedman
Meridian, MS

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Dear Mark,

The swelling in the ear flap is probably a hematoma, or bruise, caused by trauma and breaking of the vessels in and around the pieces of cartilage in the ear. The blackflies

and several other pesky insects usually inflict bites on the ear tips, and rarely in the ear canals. As they annoy the dog, the animal tries to shake her head to get rid of the pests. The dog may shake her head so violently that she ruptures the vessels in the flap, causing the hematoma.

Conservative management consists of anything from cold compresses to injections of steroids into the bruise. These treatments, however, usually result in scarring and disfigurement without immediate relief. In order to heal correctly, the ear must be surgically drained and special ear cartilage support applied. Some hematomas tend to reform, and in these cases a surgical procedure that is more reconstructive can be attempted.

The key to treatment lies in whatever caused the animal to shake its head in the first place. Hematomas are pretty common in spring and summer with the insect bites. However, you might have a vet check your dog's ear canals for other parasites, ear infections, or growths, all of which may be the root of the problem.

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