Cats that develop ear hematomas will frequently scratch their ears or shake their heads due to swelling or irritation. In this post, our Stockton vets discuss aural hematomas in cats, along with symptoms and treatment options.
A hematoma is a pocket of blood that can form within tissue or an organ. You may also hear them referred to as blood blisters, and these can vary in location and size. However, in some cases cats can develop ear hematomas, which appear between the cartilage and skin of your cat's ear flap.
While aural hematomas don't often occur in cats, this fact makes it even more critical to understand how to identify ear hematomas and what to do if your four-legged companion develops this ear condition.
Causes of Aural Hematomas in Cats
Cats often develop ear hematomas due to injury or trauma. The small blood vessels in a cat's ear flap can become damaged, which causes them to break and leak internally. This can lead to swelling or a pocket becoming filled with blood. Here are some potential causes for your cat's ear hematoma:
Scratches or Bites
Does your cat spend time outside? If so, sharp thorns can become stuck in their ear or they may get into fights with other cats.
Ear Scratching or Head Shaking
If your cat has been scratching its ears or shaking its head frequently, an ear infection or ear mites may be the culprit. Skin allergies or foreign objects stuck in the ear may also be to blame.
Underlying Health Issues
Though immune disorders, blood clotting deficits, and other conditions may be less common, these and other underlying health issues can cause ear hematomas in cats.
Signs of Ear Hematomas in Cats
If your kitty has an ear hematoma, you'll most likely notice a new bump or swelling on the ear. If the hematoma is large enough, the ear flap itself will be swollen, potentially causing the ear flap to droop under its own weight.
The swollen area may also feel tight or squishy to the touch, but be gentle – if the spot is tender, your cat will likely be reluctant to allow you to touch it. Along with changes in appearance of your cat's ears, your feline friend's behavior is another clue that they may have an ear hematoma. If the ear is tender or irritated, your cat may groom this spot more than usual or avoid touching it.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Ear Hematomas in Cats
Our vets are experienced in caring for cats' ears and identifying any conditions that may be affecting your furry companion's health.
They can thoroughly examine your cat's ears and diagnose what's causing any irritation, swelling, or behavioral changes. Infections, injuries, ear mites, and other causes of ear hematomas can be diagnosed and treated.
Your vet may also use a needle to take a sample (biopsy) of the hematoma to confirm the nature of your cat's condition.
Treatment: Aural Hematoma Surgery for Cats
To treat aural hematomas in cats, vets will often recommend surgery. The veterinary surgeon will make a small surgical incision in the ear flap so the blood pocket can be drained. Tiny sutures will then be used to close the pocket and to stop blood or infection from building up again.
To further ensure blood doesn't accumulate at the site, the vet will bandage the ear.
If the hematoma on your kitty's ear is small or your cat cannot undergo anesthesia safely, your vet may choose to recommend draining the site with a needle.
While this will be a treatment option for some hematomas, it isn't ideal and the issue is likely to recur. Aural hematomas in cats can usually be treated effectively with surgery - a permanent solution to the problem. Having hematomas surgically removed can also reduce scarring.
Your veterinarian will also treat the underlying cause of the hematoma (e.g. allergy or infection).
What happens if you leave a cat's ear hematoma untreated?
While ear hematomas will drain, heal and scar on their own, this is not recommended. If left untreated, the following may occur:
- The ear hematoma may cause swelling while healing, which can be very painful for cats
- The ear flap may swell and prevent you from being able to treat any infection that might be present.
- It may take a very long time for ear hematomas in cats to heal on their own.
- There is an increased possibility of ear hematomas reoccurring if left to heal on their own.
- If an ear hematoma heals naturally, there is a higher risk for excess car tissue.
If your cat is suffering from an ear hematoma, it's best to have it examined by one of our veterinarians in Stockton and treated with surgery to decrease pain, speed healing and prevent the condition from reoccurring.
How much will my cat's ear hematoma surgery cost?
The cost of ear hematoma surgery for cats will vary based on the precise nature of the condition, your location and vet's practice, and other factors. Your veterinarian will be able to provide a cost estimate for the procedure and address your questions and concerns regarding the surgery.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Your cat could feel some amount of tenderness or discomfort for a few days following the procedure, but your vet will provide medications to address pain and prevent infection and inflammation.
Your cat will need to wear a cone to stop them from scratching or rubbing the surgical site and causing inflammation, bleeding, pulled stitches, or infection.
You will receive instructions and helpful advice from your vet on how to care for your cat's ear at home after their hematoma surgery, and when to return for follow-up visits and have the stitches removed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
