With treatment, it usually takes 10 to 14 days for a hematoma to heal. If you let your dog’s ear heal naturally, it’ll likely take longer. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You may need to take off the e-collar so your dog can eat and drink water.
Getting veterinary treatment usually prevents cauliflower ear, especially if the hematoma is new.
Your vet might prescribe painkillers for your dog. If so, follow the vet’s directions for giving your pup its pills.
To see if your dog has ear mites, look for grainy discharge in its ear that looks like coffee grounds. [8] X Research source Look for the following symptoms of an ear infection: yellow or brown discharge, odor, scabs, redness, swelling, itching, head shaking, loss of balance, hearing loss, and walking in circles. [9] X Research source
Similarly, if the hematoma is growing in size, it’s best to see your vet.
Ear injury or infection: After giving your dog a sedative, your vet will clean out their ears and start them on an antibiotic, antifungal, or glucosteroid. You’ll probably need to clean your dog’s ear daily for 5 to 7 days before you apply their ear medicine. [12] X Research source Ear mites: Your vet will likely clean out your dog’s ears. Then, they’ll prescribe a medication, like ivermectin, that kills parasites. [13] X Research source Food allergy: Your vet will put your dog on an elimination diet to find out which food your pup is allergic to. Then, you’ll stop feeding your dog that food. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Foreign objects: While your dog is sedated, your vet will flush the area with a sterile solution to wash out whatever is stuck in your dog’s ear. Then, they’ll give your dog antibiotics and a painkiller. [15] X Research source
Your vet may apply corticosteroids to the area to help it heal faster and to prevent recurrence. [17] X Research source A butterfly needle has a flexible tube attached to it, which is how your vet will drain the fluid. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You’ll need to change your dog’s bandages every 2 to 3 days. In most cases, your vet will remove the bandage and tube after 5 to 7 days. [20] X Research source
With surgery, your dog will have minimal scarring from the hematoma, so it’s a great option if you want to prevent cosmetic damage to your pup’s ear.
Generally, your dog will be on an anti-inflammatory steroid for 10 days after the vet drains their hematoma. [23] X Research source
The entire ear might feel soft and mushy if the hematoma is large. Your dog may have swelling only on one ear, but sometimes they get hematomas on both sides. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
As the hematoma heals, your dog’s skin will likely cool off.
If your dog keeps messing with their ear, putting an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) around their neck can stop them.
Injury to your dog’s ear, especially from scratching and shaking. Skin infections Parasites, like ear mites or ticks A foreign object, like glass, that’s trapped under your dog’s skin. Food allergies[32] X Research source
