Ear hematomas form when blood pools in the ear flap - surgical repair costs $300-$1,500. They're caused by head shaking or ear scratching from underlying ear infections or allergies. Without treatment, permanent scarring and crumpled "cauliflower ear" results.
Blood vessels in the ear flap rupture from vigorous head shaking or scratching caused by ear infections, allergies, or ear mites. Dogs with floppy ears face higher risk.
A swollen, fluid-filled ear flap that feels warm and squishy. The ear droops lower than normal. Head tilting, continued shaking, and scratching. Warm, tender to touch. Signs of underlying cause: discharge, odor, or redness inside the ear canal.
Physical exam ($50-$100) is usually sufficient. Vet examines the ear canal to identify underlying cause (infection, mites, allergy). Optional cytology ($25-$50) to identify infection type. No imaging needed.
Surgery is gold standard: ear opened, blood drained, skin sutured to cartilage ($300-$1,500). Quilting sutures prevent refilling. Needle drainage ($50-$150) has 50%+ recurrence. Underlying ear infection treatment required ($50-$200).
Diagnosis + surgery + ear infection treatment. Needle drainage is cheaper but often requires repeat procedures.
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Beagles are most commonly affected due to their floppy ears.
Surgical recovery takes 2-3 weeks. Sutures stay in for 2-3 weeks. An e-collar prevents scratching during healing.
Treat ear infections promptly. Regular ear cleaning for prone breeds. Address allergies that cause ear scratching.
02/04
Diagnosis + surgery + ear infection treatment.
Most policies cover hematoma diagnosis and repair as standard illness. 14-day waiting period applies. Related ear infection treatment usually covered same claim.
If your dog has prior ear infections, insurer may deny hematoma claim - underlying cause is pre-existing. One documented infection creates a paper trail. Insure before ear problems start.
Surgery costs $300-$1,500. With $500 deductible, smaller claims barely break even. Value increases if combined with ear infection treatment on same claim.
Dogs with uncontrolled allergies may develop repeated hematomas. Insurers may limit coverage for repeated claims or classify as chronic after multiple episodes.
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