Dog Ear Hematoma Surgery Cost
A hematoma is a localized mass of blood that is confined to an organ or tissue. The most common type of hematoma in a dog is the one that affects the ear flap. This is called an othematoma.
The hematoma is surgically remedied, because most of the time the conservative treatment does not give results, and the othematoma recurs most of the time if it has not been surgically treated.
How Much Does Dog Ear Hematoma Surgery Cost?
Expect to pay anywhere between $320 and $2,100 for a dog ear surgery, depending on the geographical location, your vet, and the severity of the hematoma.
A member of the Baby Center forum said that he was charged $1,100 by a clinic for draining and quilting his dog’s ear. Another member on the same forum said that he paid $500 to have his dog’s ear drained.
Also, some members of Reddit said that the average cost of a dog ear hematoma surgery would be around $550. Also, a dog owner said that his vet would recommend this surgery only if it is for a show-quality dog, purely for cosmetic reasons.
You might also like our articles on the cost of entropion surgery, lipoma removal, or tumor removal in dogs.
According to the Vetary website, the cost of this procedure would be anywhere between $320 and $2,600, depending on the complexity of your dog’s condition and the local cost of living.
Dog ear hematoma surgery details
The hematoma should be treated as soon as possible to avoid permanent disfigurement.
The recommended method of treatment is the surgical correction of the hematoma. The actual surgical technique varies depending on the individual circumstances and the preferences of the veterinarian but always involves the same basic steps.
First, the skin over the hematoma is surgically incised to drain the blood and remove any blood clots. The empty space (called the dead space) is then removed by placing numerous sutures through the ear, which will promote the controlled formation of scar tissue, reattaching the cartilage to the skin and helping to prevent future recurrence. A drainage channel can be placed to facilitate drainage. It can be supported by a bandage or other material applied directly to the ear or through a headband.
In addition to treating hematoma, it is important to treat the root cause, which in many cases is an infection or allergy. Once the hematoma has been surgically corrected, if an underlying cause of the ear problem is found, such as an infection, allergy, or foreign body, it will be treated.
What are the extra costs?
Not all vet clinics have the same billing practices. Some of them will add all the costs in one bill, while others may charge separately for anesthesia, follow-up visits, pain medication, and extra laboratory testing. Make sure you ask about what is included in your final bill.
Important things to consider
Dog ear hematoma occurs when a blood vessel in the ear bursts and bleeds in the space between the ear cartilage and the skin. This is most commonly associated with trauma, such as scratching, shaking of the ears, or the bite of wounds.
Dogs with ear infections can shake their heads violently or scratch their ears causing a hematoma. In some cases, there may be a piece of foreign material deposited in the ear canal, such as a tick or a piece of grass.
Long-eared dogs are at higher risk of developing ear hematoma. Pets with clotting or bleeding disorders may also develop hematomas with or without a history of trauma.
Drainage can lead to a temporary correction, but in most cases, the hematoma returns within one to two days. The more the hematoma is left untreated, the greater the likelihood of permanent damage and disfigurement. Drainage can be used if the hematoma is very small or if the dog cannot undergo surgery for some reason.
Will the dog’s ear hematoma disappear over time, just like a bruise, without medical intervention?
If left untreated, the hematoma can be slowly reabsorbed, but the associated inflammation will affect the ear tissues, resulting in a distorted, cauliflower-shaped ear. Dog ear hematomas are very painful and should be evaluated and treated immediately.
How can I save money?
There is a cheaper alternative to the dog ear hematoma surgery, namely the aspiration of the blood from the dog’s ear. However, in some situations, only one session may not be enough and more vet visits will be necessary throughout time.
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