As a dog owner, few things are more heartbreaking than seeing your pup in pain. However, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about conditions that can cause harm to your dog. High on the list are hematomas, which occur when blood vessels burst and create a blood-filled blister underneath the skin. Read on to know when your dog is suffering from a hematoma, so you can take your dog to a veterinary clinic before they suffer any unnecessary pain.

A Dog Owner’s Guide to Hematomas

What to Look For

Hematomas commonly appear in the flap of a dog’s ear. In most cases, a dog will only get it in one ear, but they can occur in both at the same time. They tend to happen after an irritation, mites or ear infection. Blood vessels break when dogs scratch or shake their head too much, or if they get injured when playing or fighting with other animals.

Due to the pain, your dog may constantly scratch their ear, shake their head back and forth, or shy away whenever you try to touch the affected ear. Look inside the flap of the ear for any signs of swelling or discoloration.

It is less common, but not unheard of, for hematomas to occur on internal organs. These are not as easy to recognize or treat since they are inside the body. Symptoms vary depending on where the blister is; they can include seizures, incontinence, or coma. Only a visit to a veterinary clinic can determine whether an internal blood blister is the cause of these symptoms.

How to Handle It

If your dog is behaving erratically, or if you have any reason to suspect that they may have a hematoma, take them to your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will diagnose and locate the hematoma. Depending on the situation, they may drain it of blood and may place a temporary drain to keep blood from refiling. They may bandage the ear or prescribe a collar to prevent additional damage. They will also determine the cause of the hematoma and address it.

If you’re worried about a potential hematoma, take your pup into Pet Center, Ltd. This veterinary clinic in Columbia, MO, can diagnose and treat your pup’s conditions to keep them healthy and comfortable. Their team has more than 100 years of combined experience, and their animal hospital has an on-site pharmacy fully stocked with pet medication for your convenience. Contact them online or call (573) 445-3000 to schedule an appointment.