can ear hematoma kill dog

can ear hematoma kill dog? Hematomas alone typically don’t directly kill, associated infections from an untreated pocket become life-threatening if uncontrolled and allowed to spread. Prompt vet treatment gives the best outcome.

If left, the trapped blood risks infection over time. A severe infection could spread in the body, causing sepsis in rare scenarios.

Veterinary care involves draining the blood collection during a simple procedure. This removes infection risk by preventing a pocket for germs.

For most hematomas, vet drainage is curative. 

The condition itself typically does not kill dogs. But infection danger grows if swelling blood is not medically removed.

In summary, a hematoma alone may not endanger life. But risk of infection increases long-term without professional treatment to resolve the underlying cause.

How long can a dog go with a hematoma?

• Hematoma is when blood collects under the skin of an ear.
• If not treated,  it’s left the greater risk of infection developing.
• Within 1-2 weeks, bacteria has more opportunity to enter through the skin and cause an abscess.
• By 3-4 weeks, infection potential is significantly higher due to compromised skin and trapped blood supply.
• Waiting over a month puts the dog at serious risk of severe infection spreading beyond the ear.
• Untreated for 2 months or more, the infection danger becomes life threatening through sepsis.
• Most vets recommend drainage within 1-2 weeks for safety and to avoid infection concerns.

The sooner an ear hematoma is assessed and properly drained by a vet, the less infection risk for the dog. Beyond 2 weeks increases dangers.

How painful is a hematoma for a dog?

• Ear hematomas can cause low to moderate  pain in dogs.
• Swelling and tension under the skin as blood collects is uncomfortable.
• Dogs may scratch at the ear, shake  head, or be reluctant to have it touched.
• Larger hematomas  more painful than small, early ones.
• As swelling increases over time, pressure and tightness on nerves worsens.
• Drainage by a vet provides instant relief by releasing the built-up pressure.
• Post-drainage pain medicines may be prescribed if dog was in significant pain.
• Discomfort usually subsides quickly after successful veterinary treatment.

Ear hematomas vary in pain level but all provide some degree of tenderness, swelling, and ache that resolves promptly with proper medical care.

can ear hematoma kill dog

Ear hematomas themselves do not usually directly cause death in dogs. However, untreated hematomas carry risks. Large, long-standing hematomas can become dangerously infected if bacteria enters the blood pocket under the skin. This is the main health risk.

An infection inside the ear from  hematoma pocket can spread and cause sepsis (blood infection), which can be life-threatening for dogs. If a hematoma is large, it puts high pressure on the blood supply to the outer ear flap. In rare cases, this lack of blood flow could lead to tissue death in the ear.

Not draining and cleaning a hematoma properly increases chances of contamination and infection taking hold over time. Most hematomas are not serious if promptly treated by a vet who can drain and flush the pocket to prevent infection.

However, neglecting a hematoma or attempting home drainage without expertise could indirectly put a dog’s health at risk from subsequent infection. The hematoma itself rarely kills, but secondary infections from an untreated pocket potentially could if sepsis or blood poisoning results and goes unchecked

Dog ear hematoma treatment

The veterinarian will examine the ear to determine the size and age of the hematoma. This helps decide the best treatment approach. For active or fresh hematomas, the vet will sedate the dog for drainage and flushing of the pocket. This is done with a small sterile incision to fully release the trapped blood.

The pocket is thoroughly flushed with saline to clean and remove any debris or bacteria. Drains may be placed short-term for large pockets. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to prevent infection from developing post-surgery as the pocket heals. The ear is often wrapped in a bandage.

Follow-up bandage changes and cleaning allows monitoring of healing over 1-2 weeks. Stitches are removed 10-14 days after drainage. Older hematomas may require clipping/draining only, plus antibiotics and daily cleaning/bandaging as new skin forms.

Ears are re-checked to ensure complete resolution of the pocket and prevention of refilling with any residual fluid collections. Recovery typically takes 10-14 days with proper post-op care and medication adherence under veterinary guidance. Thorough drainage and cleaning leads to the best healing outcomes for dogs’ ear hematoma injuries.

Dog ear hematoma heal on its own

It’s not recommended to let dog ear hematomas heal without treatment. A hematoma occurs when blood rapidly collects under the skin, usually from ear injuries. 

If left alone, the blood pocket becomes large and painful for the dog over time. While small, fresh hematomas may sometimes absorb on their own, most require veterinary drainage and bandaging for proper healing. 

This removes the trapped blood so new tissue can form without risk of infection inside the pocket. Simply draining the fluid prevents refilling with blood and ensures thorough healing of the area. 

Leaving a hematoma untreated risks problematic healing like infection or the pocket refilling with blood from head shaking. Unless very minor, veterinary care gives the best chance of recovery without complications for the dog.

How to treat dog ear hematoma at home

It is generally not recommended to treat ear hematomas at home without veterinary guidance. Improper treatment can exacerbate the condition and slow healing. 

That said, for minor, very fresh hematomas, applying cold therapy may help reduce swelling until a vet visit. Gently place an ice pack or cold compress against the ear for 10-15 minutes several times per day. 

Never try to pop or drain pockets of blood yourself, as this risks infection without proper draining and cleaning. Apply gentle pressure to the sides of the ear with soft gauze or cloth to see if any fluid expels on its own.

Monitor for signs of pain, increased swelling or heat in the ear which indicate need for immediate veterinary draining and possible antibiotics to prevent infection. 

A vet can thoroughly drain the pocket under sanitary conditions and prescribe post-operative bandages and care.

Unless a hematoma just occurred and is small with minimal swelling, it is best to have your vet evaluate promptly to ensure proper treatment and avoid complications from untreated blood trapped in the ear tissue. Improper or delayed home treatment of hematomas risks problems healing.