Broken Blood vessel in ear

Question
We have a healthy 13 year old German Shepherd. We noticed her ear flap was drooping and had fluid. We took her to the Vet. the same day.( 8-3-09 ) He drained 12 cc of blood and inserted steroids in it and wrapped it. We are to unwrap it Sunday and take her back Monday (8-10-09) If she is not better he said she would need surgery.She is in no pain and we have having a hard time finacally due to me just having hip replacement. We love her and want to do the best for her but 300.00 is out of the question right now.Do you know what the risks are of not having the surgery? I do understand you are not a vet but appreciate your opinion. Thanks,Marilyn

Answer
If this is a hematoma, as it sounds like, the fluid will continue to build for a time, and eventually it should dissipate on its own, but it will most likely leave the ear drooping and "crinkled" rather than upright and smooth. You should put an Elizabethan collar on her to prevent her from scratching at her ear and injuring it further.

Personally, I would be a bit cautious about anesthetizing a 13-year-old dog.

http://marvistavet.com/html/body_aural_hematoma.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2050959_treat-dogs-ear-hematoma.html