Recurring hematoma

Question
Hi Patti,

We have a belgian malanois who is eight and has already had a hematoma in one ear which had surgery on and it was  fine. She then got a hematoma on the other ear 3 months ago. She had surgery and it was fine for a few days after the stiches came out. A week after the stitches came out it was back. She had surgery again and after leaving the stitches in longer and ensuring she did not do any running around we were mortified to discover it is back for a third time. This time it has not come back so quickly as the second time but it is back, so what do we do is surgery the answer again for the third time ?? Also we were told that we could put liquid nitrogen on the ear and this could solve it - is this true? Your advice would be greatly appreciated in this sad time

Warm Regards
Dan Churchill and Melanie Blydenburgh

Answer
Hi Dan,

Ear hematomas often recur shortly after drainage. The problem is that a space is left behind when the fluid is removed, and this space readily refills with more fluid. It is common for only temporary results to be obtained when the aspiration method (draining) is employed; usually this method is not a good choice.

A huge advance in treating ear hematomas was the development of a technique that works ninety percent of the time and frequently doesn't even require a tranquilizer.  Using a large-bore hypodermic needle, a small (1/8 inch) incision is made in the pocket and the fluid drained out.  Then a little plastic drainage tube is sutured in place and left for a couple of weeks.  This allows the fluid to escape so that the ear can "stick back together".  You have to keep them on antibiotics during this period, as bacteria can enter the pocket through the tube that the fluid is draining from, and it's a great place for them to grow.  It's still pretty messy for a few days, but so much cheaper and easier on the dog, the owner, and the surgeon.

To be honest, I could not find any information regarding using Liquid nitrogen (called  Cryosurgery) in treating ear hematomas in dogs. That's not to say that it isn't used, I'm not a doctor. You should discuss the procedure with your veterinarian.

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

Patti