SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF AURAL HEMATOMA IN DOGS

Aural hematoma is a common clinical condition in dogs characterized by the accumulation of blood between the auricular cartilage and the skin of the pinna. This retrospective clinical study describes twelve canine cases of aural hematoma presented to a veterinary teaching hospital. The affected dogs comprised seven German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) and five Labrador Retrievers (LRs). Age ranged from 2 years to 11 years, body weight from 24 kg to 42 kg, and both sexes were represented. Eight dogs had unilateral aural hematoma, while four had bilateral involvement. Initial management included aspiration, corticosteroid therapy, analgesics, antibiotics when indicated, and treatment of underlying otitis externa. Recurrence was observed in five dogs following conservative management. These recurrent cases underwent surgical correction using a linear incision drainage technique with multiple mattress sutures. Surgical treatment resulted in successful resolution in all operated cases, with satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. The study highlights the importance of identifying underlying ear disease and demonstrates that surgery provides a reliable option for recurrent or large aural hematomas.