FLuid pocket between layers of ear on st bernard

TXRED9876

We rescued a St. Bernard around Christmas of 2007. He was very under weight and has really started to look "normal".

He has develped what appears to be a fluid pocket between the layers of his ear (the part that hangs down). I didn't really notice it because he never likes to have his ears touched much.

We cannot see any obvious signs of a bite or redness of anykind.

Any ideas?

Tina in Austin, TX

animalcraker

Sounds like a hematoma from what you are describing. You need to get it checked out by the vet, hematomas can be very painful and almost always need surgery to repair.

ChrissyBz

One of our Rotties had a hematoma. I live in the Boonies so the vet told me what to do but I was gutless and couldn't. He came out and did it for me. The hematoma is more than likely the reason he doesn't like his ears touched. AC is right. It's painful, and Bear seemed relieved when we did it.

He just took a scalpel, and stuck in the upper inner ear flap, and opened a big hole down to the tip. We washed it out with chlorhexadine, and then I had to keep it open as long as possible so the fluid would drain and allow the ear to seal the pocket.

He healed up seamlessly in about two weeks but it was a pain keeping it open and clean.

Often dogs will get these from shaking their heads. Maybe have the Vet check him for ear mites or an ear infection. That may be the root of your problem.

ETA: One quick addition. I am NOT recommending you do this yourself. Just relaying my experience.

Bear had the whole procedure done out side on our porch without anesthesia with a stupid grin on his face the whole time. All our dogs love our vet though.

applesmom

it does sound like an aural hematoma. If they're small and not painful they can sometimes heal on their own. But it takes a very long time and will leave the ear flap deformed in the area of the hematoma.

They're often caused by scratching or head shaking; sometimes because the dog also has an ear infection or ear mites.

It's always wise to have your vet take a look at it to determine the cause and severity and whether or not surgery is necessary.

Here's a link to information on aural hematoma.

http://www.yourpetsbestfriend.com/yo..._hematoma.html

TXRED9876

thanks for all the help

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