When a cat’s ear is swollen, the usual culprit is an aural (ear) hematoma. It’s basically a large blister of the ear flap that’s filled with blood. The condition is commonly associated with persistent head-shaking due to the presence of ear mites, itchy ears as a result of allergy, or an ear infection.

There are many tiny blood vessels in the ears, and head-shaking can cause damage to these vessels, resulting in blood seeping between the skin and cartilage, and forming a blister on the ear flap. The hematoma may involve only a part of the ear flap, or the entire flap which may occlude the ear canal.

The most common predisposing factor of aural hematomas is an ear infection, but there are other potential causes of the problem. A hotspot near the ears, irritation caused by grass awn or foxtail in the ears, ear mites, or even an autoimmune disorder that causes bleeding are possible underlying causes.

The swollen ear flap is usually warm to the touch, and may be uncomfortable or painful. The dog or cat may tilt their head toward the affected ear, and often shake their head which can possibly cause more damage or rupture the skin of the ear flap.

There is a need to have your pet checked out by your vet because without proper treatment, your pet will suffer from weeks of discomfort and/or pain and when the body reabsorbs the hematoma, it will leave the ear crumpled and looking like a cauliflower.

There are several techniques to treat an aural hematoma, but they need to be performed by your Savannah, GA veterinarian. Visit website http://westchathamvet.com/ to know more.