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My dog has a blood blister in her ear. Should I pop it or see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 8 years and 10 months old | 11 lbs

My little chawawa has a big blister in her ear that looks to be just filled with blood but it sticks out about 1/3 of an inch and we just want to know if we should pop it and clean it or leave it and just take her to the vet? She doesn't seem to be sick or sore or anything though..

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 30th, 2017

Please do not pop the blister as it will likely just keep bleeding and then you have blood all over your house. This sounds like your dog may have an othematoma which needs special treatment. The vet will carefully evacuate the blood and then instill a steroid, maybe even apply a pressure bandage. There is a chance that the hematoma will come back. Sometimes the ear gets crippled. Your vet will also try to find out why there is a hematoma, Excessive shaking of the head due to ear mites or an ear infection can cause that, or trauma. Please take Tinker Bell to your vet tomorrow.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 30th, 2017

    I'm wondering if you mean a hematoma. That's a swelling of blood between the layers of skin on the ear. It's not cancerous, but Tinker bell does need to see a vet for it. It will need to be treated, such as draining it sterilely, repairing it surgically, or using steroids. It's not grave if it gets popped by accident, but it can introduce infection into the area. I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet for her. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. I hope this answer helps ease your fears and helps you afford a vet :-)

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