Hemotoma of the ear

Question
Hi I read your comment on a similar question for the hemotoma of the ear.  I have a yellow lab and hehas had chronic ear problems since I got him at 3months old he is now 5 years old and about a month ago he developed a hemotmoma but on the large side......it was huge the size of a tennis ball but because it was his first one our vet wanted to try medication first and I would keep a cone on his head for 10 days if I stepped out but take it off when I was home to monitor him.  Thankfully it went down and no crinkling ....now 2 months later all of a sudden it has filled up a bit and I notice a crinkle or 2 now what??? obviously bring him back to our vet but i fear if once you operate you will always have to since my dog will always shake his head after I clean it whatever he will shake can't stop it so I am hoping it will go back down this time it's just a little.

Answer
Hi Edda,

The major problem with medical treatment for ear hematomas is that about 10 to 20% of the hematomas will recur at some point later on. The recurrence rate is much less with surgery.

You can certainly talk to your vet about repeating the non-invasive medical treatment your dog had last time. As far as I know, if scarring has been controlled pretty well since the first treatment, it can be repeated. But if surgery or a drainage device placed in your dog's ear is recommended this time around. I don't think that once a procedure is preformed it would be your only treatment option for future episodes.

To help prevent ear hematomas formation it is essential that you determine what is causing the irritation that is making your dog shake its head or scratch its ears.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti