Today our Roswellvets explain a little about ear hematomas in cats and the surgery used to treat this condition.
What are ear hematomas in cats?
The term 'blood blister' is used to describe a pocket of blood that develops within an organ or tissue. An Aural (ear) hematomas can be different sizes and locations, but they usually appear between the skin and cartilage of your cat's ear flap. Pet parents need to know what to look for and what to do if their cat gets an ear hematoma.
Treatment for Cats With Ear Hematomas
The most commonly recommended treatment for ear hematomas is surgery. If your pet is unable to undergo anesthesia or if the hematoma is quite small, then your vet may opt to drain it instead. This method will work to clear up the hematoma, but it is not a permanent solution because the condition is likely to come back. The ear hematoma surgery is a permanent solution for your pet's problem, and it will prevent excessive scarring from occurring.
During treatment, your veterinarian will also treat any underlying cause of the hematoma in order to prevent the situation from reoccurring.
Ear Hematoma Surgery for Cats
The most common and successful treatment for ear hematomas in cats is ear hematoma surgery. While the process itself may vary depending on the situation and veterinary surgeon, there will always be standard steps in the process. These are:
- Your cat's veterinary surgeon will make a small incision at each end of the hematoma and remove the blood from the pinna. A drainage tube will be placed in the hematoma and sutured in place to continue draining any fluids that build up, or the vet may opt to open the area completely to prevent a build-up of blood and fluids.
- Then the surgeon will close up the area where the blood accumulated permanently preventing further hematomas.
- The pinna will be supported to allow for proper healing through the recovery process.
Once the ear hematoma has been resolved, your vet will treat any additional conditions related to the ear hematoma.
As your cat heals, the vet will remove any drainage tubes, bandages or sutures when it is safe to do so.
Recovery From Ear Hematoma Surgery in Cats
Your vet will provide medications to address pain and prevent infection and inflammation, even though your kitty may experience some tenderness or discomfort for a few days following their procedure.
To prevent your cat from scratching the surgical site and causing inflammation, bleeding, pulled stitches, or infection, you should wear an Elizabethan collar.
As your feline friend is recovering from surgery, you will receive instructions and helpful advice from your vet on how to administer home care. You will also receive instructions and helpful advice from your vet on when to return for follow-up visits and to have the stitches removed.
What Can Happen If Cat Ear Hematomas Are Left Untreated
While ear hematomas will sometimes drain, heal and scar on their own, however this is not recommended. Untreated hematomas can lead to the following:
- Pain caused by swelling and pressure that could last for weeks.
- Swollen ear flap that can prevent effective treatment of any infection that may be present.
- The process of ear hematomas in cats healing on their own could take a very long time.
- A greatly extended healing time.
- Excessive scar tissue giving the ear a distorted appearance.
If your cat is experiencing an ear hematoma, it is best to have it examined by their vet and treated through surgery to decrease pain, speed up healing and prevent this condition from reoccurring.
Cat Ear Hematoma Surgery Cost
Surgical procedures to treat ear hematomas in cats vary greatly from one vet to another, from one geographical location to another, and even from one cat to another. The cost of your cat's ear hematoma surgery will depend on a number of factors, such as how big the hematoma is and how healthy your feline friend is.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your cat's surgery, please speak to the veterinary professionals at your vet's office. Most animal hospitals are happy to provide their clients with an estimate containing a detailed breakdown of the various costs involved in procedures such as surgery.
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.