What are ear hematomas in cats?
Ear (aural) hematomas in cats are small blood blisters. These can develop with injury or trauma to the soft tissue. It can vary in size and location, but in the case of ear hematomas, they appear between the skin and cartilage of your cat's ear flap. They don't occur frequently in cats, but that makes it all the more important for pet parents to know what to look for and what to do if their cat develops an ear hematoma.
Why is it important to treat ear hematomas in cats?
Ear hematomas will not go away on their own and it is recommended that you have them treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, these blood blisters can lead to serious complications such as:
- Pain caused by swelling and pressure that could last for weeks.
- Swollen ear flap that can prevent effective treatment of any infection that may be present.
- The process of ear hematomas in cats healing on their own could take a very long time.
- A greatly extended healing time.
- Excessive scar tissue gives the ear a distorted appearance.
If your cat is experiencing an ear hematoma it is best to have it examined by their vet. Your vet may recommend having your cat's ear hematoma treated with surgery. The purpose of surgery is to decrease pain, speed up healing, and prevent this condition from reoccurring.
The Use of Surgery to Treat Ear Hematomas in Cats
If a hematoma is diagnosed, ear surgery will be performed on your cat to drain the blood. Your vet will then close the area back up properly, lessening the risk of a future hematoma. For pets that are unable to undergo anesthesia or if the hematoma is quite small then your vet may opt to drain it instead. This method will work to clear up the hematoma but is not a permanent solution as the condition is likely to present itself again.
If your cat has a hematoma then ear surgery is a permanent solution for their problem, and surgery will prevent excessive scarring from occurring. By treating the cause of the ear hematoma, your vet will help to prevent this condition from occurring again in the future.
What can you expect during your cat's ear hematoma surgery?
The most common method of treatment is ear hematoma surgery. The exact process for this varies from vet to vet but there is a standard process that all vets share.
If your cat undergoes surgical treatment for an ear hematoma, there will be some steps including:
- Your cat's veterinary surgeon will make a small incision at each end of the hematoma and remove the blood from the pinna. A drainage tube will be placed in the hematoma and sutured in place to continue draining any fluids that build up or the vet may opt to completely open the area to prevent a build-up of blood and fluids.
- Then the surgeon will close up the area where the blood accumulated permanently preventing further hematomas.
- The pinna will be supported to allow for proper healing through the recovery process.
After the surgery has been completed and the hematoma is treated, your vet will address the underlying cause. As your cat heals the vet will remove any drainage tubes, bandages, or sutures when it is safe to do so.
Your cat had ear hematoma surgery, what happens during recovery?
If your cat had treatment for an ear hematoma then care after surgery will be a vital step. Your cat may initially feel some pain or discomfort so your vet will prescribe medications that will help during recovery. Along with pain medications, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics may also be prescribed. These will help keep your cat comfortable and prevent infection while your feline friend recovers.
Your cat will need to wear an Elizabethan collar to stop them from scratching the surgical site and causing inflammation, bleeding, pulled stitches, or infection. You will receive instructions and helpful advice from your vet after your cat's ear hematoma surgery for recovery, as well as when to return for follow-up visits and to have the stitches removed.
Cat Ear Hematoma Surgery: Cost
Surgery to treat ear hematomas in cats varies considerably from one vet to another, from one geographical location to another, and even from one cat to another. The cost of your cat's ear hematoma surgery will depend on several factors including the severity of the hematoma and the overall health of your feline friend.
Many animal hospitals are happy to supply clients with an estimate containing a detailed breakdown of the various costs involved in procedures such as surgery.
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.