How do you treat a hematoma on a cat?
Surgery with sutures is the most common treatment for ear hematoma in cats. The cat is placed under anesthesia and a small cut is made to the underside of the ear. The fluid is allowed to drain out and multiple sutures are placed in the affected area.
What are the symptoms of ear hematoma in cats?
Ear hematomas are extremely painful & require prompt veterinary attention. What are the symptoms of ear hematoma in cats? Swelling of the ear. This may be partial or the entire ear may become swollen & filled with blood. The ear will feel soft, warm & fluid filled.
What causes a cat to have a hematoma?
When the cat scratches or shakes it’s head it eventually causes a blood vessel to rupture, resulting in a hematoma. * Violent head shaking or scratching of the ear. This could be caused by ear mites, ticks, fleas, allergies, otitis externa (infection of the external ear canal).
What should I do if my cat has an aural hematoma?
Aural hematomas are often very uncomfortable so your cat may benefit from pain relief. Some small, painless aural haematomas can be left to heal by themselves, but most are painful and need to be drained.
When to take your cat to the vet?
If you notice that your cat is displaying possible symptoms, a prompt visit to the vet is warranted. Ear hematoma, also called aural hematoma or auricular hematoma, is a common ear problem in cats. It is a painful condition that results when a blood vessel ruptures and blood and fluid fill the area between the skin and cartilage in the ear.
How can you tell if a cat has a haematoma?
Recognize swelling or tenderness as a potential sign of ear haematoma. A cat’s pricked (upright) ear is usually normally no more than 3–4 inches (76–102 mm) thick, and is shaped like a gentle concave cone. A newly formed ear haematoma looks like a large blood blister. The ear flap may be tender to the touch, and feel warm or hot.
When to take your cat to the vet for an ear hematoma?
It collects sound waves, concentrates them, and funnels into the middle and inner ear. While it is possible that an ear hematoma can resolve on its own, the condition causes significant discomfort and takes a minimum of several weeks to heal. If you notice that your cat is displaying possible symptoms, a prompt visit to the vet is warranted.
How to diagnose a seroma in a cat?
Hematomas and seromas in internal organs or in the brain/head may require special imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT scan) for diagnosis.
When to drain a hematoma in a dog?
Drainage may be used if the hematoma is very small, or if the patient cannot undergo surgery for some reason. If drainage is the chosen treatment, be prepared to return to your vet for a few visits, as repeated draining is often necessary.
