Watching for signs that your dog is uncomfortable is part of maintaining good pet health. When hematomas occur, they cause dogs to experience pain and irritation. Knowing what to look for and obtaining proper care for the condition will keep your canine companion happy.

Pet Health Care for Dogs With Hematomas

What Are Hematomas?

Dog hematomas are painful blisters filled with blood that develop under the skin, typically on or in the animal’s ears. Ear infections, injuries, mite infestations, and foreign objects lodged in a dog’s ear may lead to bursting blood vessels and the formation of blisters because of scratching. Although ears are the most common site of hematomas, they can occur internally throughout a dog’s body as well.

Signs to Watch For

When one or both of a pet’s earflaps are swollen or discolored, the reason may be a hematoma. Other signs include head shaking, scratching, loss of balance, ear deformities, and hair loss. If your dog reacts with pain when you touch the ear or another part of the body, seek a pet diagnostic exam.

Treatment

Veterinarians treat hematomas first by determining and treating the root cause. If your dog has an ear infection, the vet will administer antibiotics for it. When ear mites are the problem, pet care includes cleaning and administering eardrops to kill the insects.

When examining ears, a vet removes any foreign objects, seeds, or sands that might be inside. Draining blood from the ear relieves the hematoma and prevents scar tissue formation, but surgery may be needed to stop the return of the condition. 

If you suspect your dogs have hematomas, contact Parker Animal Clinic for a diagnostic exam. The pet health specialists at this Clarksville, AR, practice have more than 15 years of experience caring for dogs, cats, horses, and other large and small animals. Pet vaccines, surgery, and dental treatments are among the many services they provide with compassion and professionalism. Visit their website to learn more about their work and their online store for discounted medicines and specialty dog food. Schedule an appointment at their veterinary clinic by calling (479) 754-5656.