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Why is my dog's ear swollen, bleeding, painful, and has discharge?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Curly-Coated Retriever | Female | unspayed

Why is the bottom of the inside of my dogs ear swollen and pussy and leaking out blood. How can I fix her and take the pain away and what might have caused this to happen

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2017

Unfortunately it sounds like your dog Kate shook her head so much that she burst a blood vessel in her ear pinna. This is called an aural (ear) hematoma. The only way to fix this is to go to your vet and get her on ear medication (to treat for an underlying ear infection, which is usually the cause), pet friendly pain meds, and treatment for the swelling. This can't be treated at home I'm afraid and there are no safe over the counter pain meds for pets. So I would advise getting Kate seen by a vet right away for treatment. Poor girl. Once she sees the vet they should be able to take care of this, because this is quite common in pets. I would ask your vet if steroids can be tried versus surgery on the ear, because I personally have had good luck with my patients when I treat this with medication. I wish your fur baby well in her recovery. Here is more information about this disorder to help you understand what is happening and how this is typically treated. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=566

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 6th, 2018

    HI, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Biko! It appears as though Biko has an aural (ear) hematoma. This occurs when there is a break in the ear cartilage and fluid fills up between the skin and the cartilage in the ear pinna. The most common reason is from shaking the head due to an ear infection. There are many treatments: draining the hematoma with or with out instilling steroids, not draining and using oral steroids to surgery. But you have to treat the underlying cause which is the ear infection. Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast and/or bacteria. The ears needs to be cleaned and have medicated drops applied. Biko should see his Vet for an exam. The vet can provide medications for the ear infection, relieve his discomfort and provide option for the hematoma. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=566 I wish Biko th ebest!

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    Answered By Elva Ma DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 18th, 2017

    Hello, and thank you for your question and photos. It looks like Khaleesi may have an aural hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood in the ear flap. This can occur when a dog scratches or shakes their head too aggressively, and some blood vessels in the ear flap break open. It seems like the hematoma opened up in the second photo, which may actually provide Khaleesi some temporary relief. However, it is now an open wound that can get infected. It can also become a hematoma again once the area closes up. It is best to get her to a vet who can check for an underlying cause (e.g. ear infection) and get her on the right anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication if necessary. In the meantime, you can gently clean the area with dilute betadine solution (diluted 1:10 with water), and keep an e-collar (cone) on her head to prevent scratching. Other possibilities could be an abscess or cyst in the ear flap. Any of these options would still warrant a visit to your vet. I hope this helps, and that Khaleesi is feeling better soon!

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 13th, 2019

    Bella needs to see the veterinarian. It looks like she has a hematoma which is a pocket of blood under the skin. It’s caused by a ruptured blood vessel-don’t worry, she won’t lose too much blood. Usually the pet is shaking the head due to an ear infection, an allergic reaction, or even something like a Mast Cell Tumor (a malignant skin cancer) causing a histamine release. From what I can see, the ear canal looks very swollen as well. Bella may need steroids as well as the underlying cause identified and treated. A cool (not cold) compress may temporarily make her ear feel better but it won’t treat an infection or remove the excess blood. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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