Your cat’s soft, fuzzy ears serve many great purposes—they heighten hearing, dispel heat, and help them keep their balance, to name a few. However, the anatomy of cat ears can also put our feline friends at risk of injuries and wounds. In this article, we’ll discuss an issue called feline ear hematoma. Learn about the condition, what causes it, treatment options, and what to expect during recovery.
What is a feline ear hematoma?
In general, a hematoma is a buildup of blood that pools or clots in an organ or tissue. Most commonly caused by a broken blood vessel damaged from an injury, the capillaries seep and blood builds into a bruise because it can’t drain out.
In a cat, hematomas frequently occur in the ear tissue called the pinna—the triangular part of a cat’s outer ear (or ear flap) that funnels sound into the inner ear. The structure of the pinna includes cartilage to keep its shape and muscles that help the pinna move.
Another name for a feline ear hematoma is an aural hematoma. The word “aural” simply means relating to the ear or hearing. You might hear veterinarians use the phrases “ear hematomas” or “aural hematomas” interchangeably.
What causes feline ear hematomas?
Some feline ear hematomas develop after an injury from fighting, though most cases arise after a cat persistently or aggressively scratches at its own ears to find relief from otitis externa (an ear infection). Of all the ear conditions cats can have, the most commonly diagnosed by far is otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal that can lead to excessive earwax, and tissue damage. If left untreated, it can even cause permanent deafness. Otitis externa is typically caused by ear mites or an infection.
Will my cat’s ear hematoma heal on its own?
According to Cornell Feline Health Center: “A hematoma can spontaneously resolve,” says James Flanders, DVM, associate professor of surgery at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “but that can take weeks, and by the time the ear heals, it will tend to be deformed. The cartilage will take on an odd, bumpy shape—and the cat is apt to end up with a permanent cauliflower ear.”
What feline ear hematoma treatment options are there?
If the case is mild, a needle is inserted to drain the excess blood. In more severe cases, the cat is sedated, an incision is made that allows excess blood to drain, and then the inside and outside of the earflap is sutured together with stitches.
What is the recovery for a feline hematoma procedure?
Ear hematoma surgery is a very common procedure for cats and has a high success rate. Two to three weeks after surgery, stitches are removed and the cat’s ear should look back to normal.
Can ear hematomas happen in dogs?
Yes, ear hematomas in dogs do occur, and the treatment options are similar to those for cat ear hematomas.
Do you have a cat (or dog) that’s been scratching at a swollen ear? Give the experts at Pets In Stitches a call and we’ll be happy to discuss next steps for your furry friend.
