An ear hematoma, also known as the aural hematoma, is when a dog’s ear flap gets a blood-filled swelling. The treatment involves draining the wound and surgery may be needed in severe cases. The total cost of treating ear hematoma in dogs can be as low as $300 or as high as $2,5001. There can be other costs attached as well.
Before we get into the cost breakup and the factors affecting the cost, it is important we understand what an ear hematoma is, what are the different treatment options available, whether it can be prevented and if not, how can you save money on its treatment.
Read More: Dog Surgery Costs: Everything You Need to Know
How Much Does It Cost to Treat Ear Hematoma in Dogs?
The cost of an ear hematoma surgery in dogs will depend on the dog’s size, size and severity of the hematoma, surgical technique used, your location, type of facility used, etc. Below are the average costs of surgery based on the dog’s size – (2)
Weight Range (lbs.) | Estimated Cost ($) |
50 lbs. or less | $500 - $700 |
51 - 75 lbs. | $700 - $1,100 |
76 - 100 lbs. | $1,100 - $1,500 |
100+ lbs. | $1,500 - $2,500 |
These costs are when the treatment involves surgery.
As the treatment involves treating the underlying condition, below are some average costs of treating some common underlying conditions(2) –
Condition | Estimated Cost ($) |
Ear mites | $200 - $500 |
Outer ear infection | $100 - $250 |
Middle or inner ear infection | $300 - $3,000 |
Chronic ear infections | $2,000 - $4,500 |
How to Save Ear Hematoma Treatment Costs in Dogs?
The best way to prevent the cost of treatment for ear hematoma in dogs is to prevent the underlying condition in the first place. However, the dog can get affected with infections despite all the care. At such times, pet insurance can help you save up to 90% of the costs related to the treatment.
Pet insurance can help cover eligible costs related to the treatment of an ear hematoma in dogs if the condition is not a pre-existing one and if the waiting period of the policy has passed before the condition developed.
With Spot Pet Insurance, you can also get reimbursed on eligible costs related to surgery, pre-surgery diagnosis, post-surgery care, specialist visits, prescription diets, and more.
When Your Dog’s Ear Goes from Floppy to Puffy
A hematoma is basically a plot of blood that forms outside the blood vessels and usually under the skin. They can occur in several locations in your dog’s body, including the brain, ears, scrotum, spleen and even lungs.
An ear hematoma happens when blood collects between the layers of the ear flap, causing swelling. They look like a small pillow inside the ear flap. When a dog has been constantly shaking or scratching their head because of an itch, infection or irritation, the blood vessels in the ear break, leading to this. They are the most common type of hematoma found in dogs.
It may look like it is just a cosmetic issue, but it is not. It can be very painful and if left untreated, it can even result in a change in the shape of the ear, which some people refer to as ‘cauliflower ear’.
What are the Signs of an Ear Hematoma in Dogs?
The wrinkled or deformed appearance of the ear is the most obvious sign of a hematoma in dogs. We understand that it is possible to miss it sometimes. In that case, below are the signs that can indicate the possibility of an ear hematoma in a dog – (1)
Symptom | Description |
Constant ear itching or scratching | Frequent scratching of the ears with paws or rubbing against objects |
Head shaking | Repetitive shaking of the head, possibly to relieve discomfort |
Tilting the head sideways | Holding the head at an angle, often due to irritation or imbalance |
There is a chance that these signs are not just because of a possible hematoma but also another underlying condition in the dog. This is why they need immediate attention and a vet visit for further diagnosis.
What Causes Ear Hematoma in Dogs?
The tissues inside a dog’s ear flap are very thin. When something is constantly irritating a dog’s ears, they tend to itch or scratch them excessively. This causes the blood vessels to break, which indeed fills the space between the ear cartilage and the skin with blood leading to a swelling.
As they say, it is always better to identify the root of the problem and solve it; below are some possible factors that can trigger the irritation in a dog’s ears – (1)
Cause | Description |
Yeast or bacterial infection | Overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the ear, leading to inflammation and discomfort |
Allergies | Reaction to food, environmental factors, or parasites causing ear irritation |
Blood clotting disorders | Conditions that affect blood clotting, potentially leading to excessive bleeding in the ear |
Immune disorders | Autoimmune conditions that can cause inflammation and ear problems |
Skin diseases | Conditions like dermatitis that can lead to ear irritation and infections |
Physical injury (e.g., bite to the ear) | Trauma to the ear, such as a bite or scratch, causing pain, swelling, or bleeding |
Even ear mites can lead to irritation in a dog’s ears, but they are not that common. Infection and allergies are the most common reasons for an ear hematoma in dogs.
Now to understand the costs involved in treating ear hematoma in dogs, we need to understand the entire treatment flow, which starts from. –
Diagnosing Ear Hematoma in Dogs
Once you spot the above-mentioned signs and take your dog to the vet, the vet will perform some physical examinations to understand the nature of the hematoma and decide on the best course of treatment for it. The diagnosis may include –
Test | Purpose |
Needle aspiration | Confirms if the fluid in the ear is blood by extracting a sample |
Blood work | Evaluates overall health and detects infections, immune disorders, or clotting issues |
Urine test | Assesses kidney function and detects underlying health conditions |
Ear canal examination | Checks for infections, parasites, or foreign bodies in the ear |
Food trials or skin tests | Identifies potential food allergies causing ear issues |
Once the vet confirms the nature of the hematoma and the underlying cause, he/she will recommend the best course of treatment, which can be –
Treatment Options for Ear Hematoma in Dogs
If the hematoma is small, the vet will probably leave it untouched as the blood can reabsorb it and, hence, heal it. But this would also mean a longer pain for the dog. A small hematoma can even alter the shape of the ear permanently in some cases. The best course of action would probably be treating the underlying cause to prevent another hematoma from forming.
For bigger hematomas, the vet will most probably go with draining it. Below are the available options for it – (1)
Needle aspiration – The most basic and often the cheapest treatment option where the vet inserts a thin needle into the hematoma and lets the fluid drain. A steroid may be injected to reduce inflammation and other medications to prevent any possible infection. The dog, however, may need another visit a week later when the procedure will be repeated.
Placing a drain – In dogs with bigger ears, large enough to accommodate the drain, the vet may try placing one inside, depending on the dog’s tolerance level. This allows the fluid to keep draining continuously for a week or so as against an aspiration where it fills up again rapidly. This method is uncommon, though.
Surgery – Finally, for severe cases of a big hematoma, the vet may opt for surgery which involves an incision in the ear to drain the fluid and surrounding blood clots. Two cartilage layers are then sutured together, leaving a small incision open for draining. This surgery is often performed under general anesthesia.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Ear hematoma in dogs. (n.d.). Small Door Veterinary. https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/ear-hematoma-in-dogs
Farmer, T. (2024, September 11). How much does dog ear hematoma surgery cost? Vety. https://vety.com/costs/dog-ear-hematoma-surgery-cost
