Q: I have a pitbull/bulldog mix and he is about 5-6 years old. He has recently developed a bubble of something on the flap of his ear. It doesn’t hurt him, but this is definitely not normal. Can you help us?
A: The small bubble you are seeing on your dog’s ear is most likely an aural hematoma, which is basically a pocket of blood. This usually occurs when a dog shakes his head excessively, often due to an ear infection or other irritation. After repeated shaking, a blood vessel will burst and blood will leak out, forming the bubble you are seeing.
These usually require veterinary attention. The usual way to treat them is with a surgical drainage procedure followed by a splint on the ear, so it is usually involves fairly extensive treatment (that can be costly).
An alternative treatment involves having your veterinarian drain the blood pocket from the ear and inject some steroids. This will work instead of surgery in about half of the cases. Of course, it is important to treat any underlying ear infection at the same time, or your dog will keep shaking his head. Some veterinarians will wrap the ear in a head bandage after doing the drainage procedure to lessen the chances the hematoma will reoccur.
Good luck, but make sure you bring him to the vet, otherwise the ear could be permanently affected.
7 Best Calming Solutions for Dogs with Separation Anxiety
1. Kong Wobbler A lot of dog owners have reported positive results using a Kong Wobbler. The toy is designed to be filled with dog treats or kibble. The design makes it virtually impossible for your dog to get the treats out of the toy, which can help prevent separation anxiety. It takes a little […]
How Long Does It Take For Your Dog To Settle In Your New Home?
Relocating to a new house is a whole lot of work, especially when you are doing it all by yourself. This includes going through an adjustment period, where you will feel the need to adapt to the new environment and other factors. Just like humans, our furry friends also need to have some time to […]
10 Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds that don’t Bark
Welcoming a pet into your home as a friend for a lifetime Is always a dreamy milestone to achieve. But if you are someone who starts to show allergic reactions as soon as you come in contact with the pet, then this dreamy situation can turn into a Nightmare. So, if you are facing this […]
Paw Print Jewelry is the Purr-fect Choice for Pet Owners
Recent estimates indicate that approximately 90 million dogs – and close to 100 million cats – have a home in the United States. When it comes to their pets, animal lovers spare no expense in caring for their pet or showcasing their love for man’s best friends. But don’t let that last statement fool you […]
