What causes an ear hematoma in cats and dogs?

An aural hematoma forms when blood vessels in the ear flap rupture and blood pools between the cartilage and skin. It is almost always triggered by violent head-shaking or scratching, usually from an underlying ear infection, ear mites, or allergies.

Can I drain my pet's ear hematoma at home?

No. Draining it yourself risks infection, repeated bleeding, and permanent ear deformity, and it does not fix the underlying cause. A vet needs to treat both the hematoma and the ear problem behind it.

Will an ear hematoma go away on its own?

It may slowly reabsorb over weeks, but it often leaves a thickened, crinkled 'cauliflower' ear and the underlying ear problem remains untreated. Veterinary treatment gives a better cosmetic result and addresses the cause.

Cat & Dog Ear Hematoma

A swollen, squishy, blood-filled ear flap — what causes it, what to do, and what not to do.

📞 See a vet

Not usually an emergency, but it needs veterinary care within a day or two

What is an ear (aural) hematoma?

An aural hematoma is a pocket of blood that collects between the skin and cartilage of the ear flap (the pinna). The ear looks suddenly swollen, puffy, and feels squishy or fluid-filled, like a small water balloon. It's common in cats and in floppy-eared dogs, and while it's rarely an emergency on its own, it's painful and the cause behind it usually needs treatment.

What causes it?

It's almost always the result of violent head-shaking or scratching that ruptures the small blood vessels in the ear flap. The real question is why your pet is shaking or scratching — common underlying causes include:

Ear infection (bacterial or yeast) — the most common trigger
Ear mites — especially in cats and kittens
Allergies (food or environmental) causing itchy ears
A foreign object (like a grass seed) or trauma

Because of this, treating the hematoma without treating the cause usually means it comes straight back.

⚠️ What NOT to do

Do not try to drain, lance, or pop the hematoma at home. Doing so can introduce infection, cause repeated bleeding, and lead to a permanently scarred, crinkled "cauliflower" ear. Don't put leftover ear medication in — the wrong product can worsen some infections or damage the eardrum.

How a vet treats an ear hematoma

Your vet will first examine the ear (often looking inside with an otoscope and checking a swab under the microscope) to find and treat the underlying cause. For the hematoma itself, common options include:

Needle drainage — quick, but the swelling often returns because the space refills.
Placing a small drain or cannula — lets fluid escape over several days.
Surgery — a small incision to drain it, then sutures (often quilted) to hold the layers together so it heals flat. This gives the most reliable, lasting result.
Anti-inflammatory medication (such as steroids) may be used alongside, at your vet's discretion.

Alongside any of these, the ear infection or mites are treated with the appropriate cleaning and medication.

Home care during recovery

Use an e-collar (cone) to stop scratching and head-shaking while it heals.
Give all prescribed medication for the full course, even once the ear looks better.
Keep the ear clean only as your vet directs — don't improvise.
Go to all recheck appointments so the cause is fully cleared.

Why it's worth treating

Left alone, the blood may slowly reabsorb over several weeks, but the ear often heals into a thickened, wrinkled shape, and the itchy infection driving it remains. Prompt care is more comfortable for your pet and gives a much better outcome.

⚠️ This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice or a diagnosis. Always have your veterinarian examine and treat your pet's ears.

Frequently asked questions

How much does ear hematoma treatment cost?

It varies widely by region, your pet's size, and whether surgery is needed — typically ranging from a modest fee for drainage to several hundred dollars for surgery, plus treating the underlying ear infection. Ask your clinic for an estimate.

Is an ear hematoma painful?

Yes, it's usually sore and itchy, which is why pets keep shaking their head. Treating it and the underlying cause relieves the discomfort.

Can it happen again?

Yes, especially if the underlying ear infection, mites, or allergy isn't fully controlled. Keeping ears healthy and treating flare-ups early is the best prevention.

My pet keeps scratching its ears — how do I prevent this?

Have recurring ear problems investigated by your vet (infections, mites, allergies). Routine ear checks and prompt treatment of itching prevent most hematomas.