Cats can experience ear injuries that result in little blood blisters, known as hematomas. Here, our East Setauket vets discuss cats and ear hematoma surgery, including the cost, recovery and how you can help.
What are ear hematomas in cats?
Ear (aural) hematomas in cats are small blood blisters. These can develop with injury or trauma to the soft tissue. It can vary in size and location, but in the case of ear hematomas, they appear between the skin and cartilage of your cat's ear flap. They don't occur frequently in cats, but pet parents need to know what to look for and what to do if their cat develops an ear hematoma.
Why is it important to treat ear hematomas in cats?
Ear hematomas will not go away on their own, and it is recommended that you treat them as soon as possible. If left untreated, these blood blisters can lead to severe complications such as:
- Pain caused by swelling and pressure that could last for weeks.
- Swollen ear flap that can prevent effective treatment of any infection that may be present.
- Ear hematomas in cats healing on their own could take a very long time.
- A significantly extended healing time.
- Excessive scar tissue gives the ear a distorted appearance.
If your cat is experiencing an ear hematoma, it is best to have them examined by a vet. Your vet may recommend treating the hematoma with surgery, which decreases pain, speeds up healing, and prevents recurrence.
What is cat ear hematoma surgery?
If a hematoma is diagnosed, ear surgery may be recommended for your cat. This procedure drains the blood and fluid. Your vet will then close the area back up properly, lessening the risk of a future hematoma. For pets unable to undergo anesthesia or if the hematoma is quite small, your vet may opt to drain it instead. This method will work to clear up the hematoma, but it is not a permanent solution, as the condition will likely present itself again.
If your cat has an ear hematoma, ear surgery is a permanent solution to prevent excessive scarring. By treating the cause of the ear hematoma, your vet will help prevent this condition from occurring again.
Cat Ear Hematoma: What to Expect After Surgery
The most common method of treatment is ear hematoma surgery. The exact process varies from vet to vet, but there is a standard process that all vets share.
If your cat undergoes surgical treatment for an ear hematoma, there will be some steps, including:
- Your cat's veterinary surgeon will make a small incision at each end of the hematoma and remove the blood from the pinna. A drainage tube will be placed in the hematoma and sutured to continue draining any fluids that build up, or the vet may opt to completely open the area to prevent a build-up of blood and fluids.
- Then, the surgeon will close up the area where the blood accumulated, permanently preventing further hematomas.
- The pinna will be supported for proper healing through the recovery process.
After the surgery is complete, your vet will address the underlying cause. As your cat heals, the vet will remove any drainage tubes, bandages, or sutures when it is safe to do so.
Cat Ear Hematoma Surgery: Recovery
If your cat had treatment for an ear hematoma, then care after surgery would be a vital step. Your cat may initially feel pain or discomfort, so your vet will prescribe medications to help during recovery. Along with pain medications, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics may also be prescribed. These will help keep your cat comfortable and prevent infection while your feline friend recovers.
Your cat must wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent scratching the surgical site and causing inflammation, bleeding, pulled stitches, or infection. Your vet will provide instructions and helpful advice on helping your cat recover from ear hematoma surgery and when to return for follow-up visits and remove the stitches.
The Cost of Ear Hematoma Surgery For Cats
If your cat needs ear hematoma surgery, the cost will vary considerably from one vet to another, from location to location and even between each cat. The cost of your cat's ear hematoma surgery will depend on several factors, including the severity of the hematoma and the overall health of your feline friend.
Your vet will likely be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of surgery at the time of booking.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.