Ear Hematoma Surgery For Dogs Price (2023 Guide) – Forbes Advisor

It’s most likely that your dog will require treatment for a health condition a minimum of as soon as in its life—specifically if it’s a breed that’s inclined to health problems like pugs. One health problem that’s common in dogs is an ear hematoma, frequently described as a blood blister. Thankfully, there’s an efficient surgical treatment that can solve it.

When a puppy’s ear is inflamed—either by an ear infection, allergic reaction or something else—it will normally shake its head. Sometimes this violent movement triggers the capillary in a dog’s ear flap to break, causing internal bleeding. This blood build-up in the dog’s ear flap is referred to as an ear hematoma.

An ear hematoma is mostly the outcome of underlying ear conditions such as an ear infection, allergic reactions, an injury, a blood-clotting condition or something else.

“Ear hematoma can be associated with allergies and ear infections or just from trauma…[which can result from] dogs running around or [bumping] into something,” describes Dr. Boaz Man, D.V.M., medical director and owner of Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital in Boca Raton, Florida.

Man says dogs with long floppy ears and those susceptible to ear infections are most likely to get ear hematoma. Dogs with cocked ears are likewise more inclined. According to a 2021 research study in Scientific Reportsthe types probably to establish the condition are bull terriers, Saint Bernards and French bulldogs.

How Much Does Ear Hematoma Surgery for Dogs Cost?

The cost of ear hematoma surgical treatment for dogs can vary in between $300 and $2,500 due to the different aspects that are considered with the treatment, consisting of the place and size of the hematoma. It’s essential to contact your dog’s veterinarian on what you’ll be charged for prior to consenting to the surgical treatment.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Ear Hematoma Surgery

A vet’s experience and your dog’s health condition are simply 2 aspects that might impact the total cost of ear hematoma surgical treatment. Other aspects that might impact the cost consist of:

• Your place. Prices might differ based upon which state you reside in. If you reside in a city that has a greater cost of living, ear hematoma surgical treatment might be more due to increased overhead expenses and greater lease and real estate tax.
• The vet’s experience. If a basic vet carries out the surgical treatment, its cost will likely be on the lower end. However, if a veterinary cosmetic surgeon or veterinary skin doctor (ear expert) performs the surgical treatment, costs will fall on the greater end due to their comprehensive training and understanding.
• The size of the ear hematoma. An ear hematoma can be available in various sizes, making the cost variable. If your dog’s ear hematoma is big, a veterinarian might charge more due to the additional effort and time it might require to eliminate it.
• Your dog’s health. Your dog requires to be healthy sufficient to go through anesthesia throughout the surgical treatment. If it has health issues such as heart problem, this might make the operation more bothersome and the cost might increase to accommodate your dog. Similarly, if your dog has a hidden condition such as an ear infection, extra care might be essential, which might increase the cost of treatment.
• The equipment utilized. Vets have various techniques and equipment they might choose when it pertains to dealing with an ear hematoma, which can affect the cost. “[For instance]what we do [at my practice]is we use a carbon dioxide laser to make a small incision in the ear flap and drain the blood out [of the ear hematoma],” Man says.
• Your animal insurer and strategy. There are numerous animal insurer, however their costs and protection differ. Since an ear hematoma is not normally thought about a pre-existing condition, it must be covered by a lot of pet insurer.

Symptoms of Ear Hematoma in Dogs

An ear hematoma isn’t challenging to find as it usually looks like an inflamed, fluid-filled pocket on a dog’s ear flap. You’ll have the ability to see or feel it in your dog’s ear—Man compares it to a “balloon.” Other signs to watch out for consist of:

• Swollen ear flap
• Ear flap filled with fluid
• Pawing or scratching at the impacted ear
• Head shaking
• Tilting the head
• Expressing discomfort or resistance to being discussed the ear

An ear hematoma hurts, so you’ll likely discover your dog displaying behavioral signs. If you discover any of these signs or think your dog might have an ear hematoma, take them to the veterinarian. It’s finest to get an expert medical diagnosis due to the fact that in many cases of ear hematoma, treatment is needed.

Can Ear Hematoma Be Prevented?

While ear hematomas can’t be completely avoided, the hematoma’s underlying cause can. For circumstances, if you understand your dog is susceptible to ear infections, it’s important to take them to regular examinations to guarantee the infection hasn’t returned.

“Maintaining your pet’s health and doing things like ear cleanings are very important,” includes Man. Using a service to keep the ears clean regularly will get excess wax, germs and yeast out of the ear canal.”

Man likewise keeps in mind that not all underlying reasons for ear hematoma can be avoided. “Sometimes… it just happens. [The dog] does something and the blood vessel ruptures and it’s not the pet parent’s fault,” Man says.

Is Ear Hematoma Surgery Required for Dogs with Ear Hematoma?

Although some moderate ear hematomas might fix by themselves, it’s such an uncomfortable condition that relief through treatment is normally recommended. This doesn’t constantly necessarily suggest surgical treatment, however.

Medical management is the preferred method for initial and minor cases. It involves draining the ear hematoma with a needle, injecting the dog with a steroid and then placing it on a temporary daily oral steroid treatment.

Surgery is recommended when the ear hematoma returns or it’s a more severe case. “Surgery is really the only proven effective way to help with the least complications because the other ways are more prone to having [ear hematomas] recur,” Man says, who has performed over 100 of these surgeries throughout his 20-year career.

There are many different methods applicable for ear hematoma surgery and will depend on your dog’s veterinarian and their preference. However, most surgeries typically involve a drain tube that removes the blood from the ear flap, the elimination of the “pocket” where the blood accumulated (by using stitches) and the bandaging of the ear.

If an ear hematoma is left untreated, not only will the dog be in pain but intense scarring may occur, resulting in a malformed appearance dubbed “cauliflower ear.” It also makes it more likely that the ear hematoma may recur.

“The ear hematoma will form scar tissue that’s abnormal. So if you’ve ever watched boxing matches, some boxers have suffered trauma to their ears and [they] have an abnormal appearance. [In dogs]they can have crooked ears or they may not fall normally anymore,” Man explains.

What Is Recovery Like for Dogs After Ear Hematoma Surgery?

Ear hematoma surgery is safe and most dogs live happy, healthy lives afterward. It takes about two to three weeks for a dog to heal. Following the surgery, a vet will recommend you give your dog pain medication. If the hematoma’s underlying cause was an ear infection, you may also be sent home with antibiotics. To prevent your dog from injuring itself during recovery, a vet will require it to wear an Elizabethan collar.

After it heals, you’ll need to take your dog back to the vet for a follow-up visit where the stitches and bandages will be removed. Your dog will also be evaluated to ensure that its ear has healed properly.

“Sometimes [the ear hematoma] has to be repaired more than once. It’s not common but it’s possible for any surgery to need a revision,” Man says.

Ear hematomas can be recurrent, although the chances are quite low when resolved surgically. Still, you’ll want to pay extra attention to your dog’s ear care to stay on top of any ear infections, allergies or other conditions.

What’s Included in the Cost of Ear Hematoma Surgery for Dogs?

The cost will will vary based on which veterinarian practice you go to and which pet insurance company and policy you have. Typically, the cost for ear hematoma surgery will include the surgery itself, the stitches placed on your dog’s ear(s) and the provided Elizabethan collar.

What’s Not Included?

Depending on which veterinarian your dog sees, the cost of the ear hematoma surgery may or may not include everything. Follow-up visits and post-operative medications are usually a separate cost.

Other things that may result in a separate charge include:

• The initial consultation to diagnose your dog with ear hematoma
• Pre-operative blood work
• Anesthesia (or other precautions if your dog cannot handle regular anesthesia)
• Pain medications and antibiotics
• The follow-up visit to remove the stitches, bandage and any other required visits
• A second surgery, if needed

Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Hematoma Surgery for my Dog?

Pet insurance typically covers ear hematoma surgery as it’s usually not considered a pre-existing condition. So, if your dog has been insured past your insurance policy’s waiting period and it develops ear hematoma, it should be covered.

However, if your dog’s ear hematoma was diagnosed by a vet before your policy started, it could be considered pre-existing and may not be covered. In these cases, you could ask if your pet’s vet offers payment plans or you could crowdfund through platforms like GoFundMe or Fundly. Financing the surgery through a credit card, such as CareCredit may be an option—but constantly be aware of interest charges you might sustain if you don’t pay your balance off completely every month.