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My dog's ear is swollen and has pus. Is it an infection? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed

The inside of my dogs ear is swollen and it look like there is puss coming from it what do i?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 21st, 2017

Have him examined by your veterinarian. There may be serious infection and possibly an aural hematoma if she has been shaking her head. A hematoma develops when a blood vessel is broken in the ear flap due to shaking. This results in an ear that looks like a small pillow. Treatment is typically surgical. An ear infection can be diagnosed by examining a swab of the ear under a microscope. This can be done in the clinic. Infection can be caused by bacteria, yeast or a combination of both. The treatment will depend on the cause. "Simple" ear infections can be treated topically and usually resolve within 10-14 days. Place an e-collar (cone) on Nicki to prevent rubbing or pawing until she sees the vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2017

    That could be due to an aural hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood and inflammatory fluids between the ear cartilage and skin. This is usually caused by an underlying otitis (inflammation of the ear canal). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. The ear usually is surgically drained and the skin attached to the cartilage again. Simple drainage can be attempted but usually is unsuccessful. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 1st, 2018

    Poor Kenai! Her ears could be swollen and hot from aural hematomas. This is when blood gets trapped between the layers of skin of the outer ear. An aural hematoma can form when a dog scratches the ear a lot or shakes their head a lot, usually due to an ear infection. It could also be due to an allergic reaction. This is something that needs to be checked out by a vet, so give your vet a call to make an appointment for him today or tomorrow. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 19th, 2017

    Yes, this swelling is likely an aural hematoma. A blood vessel in the ear flap has ruptured causing the flap to fill with blood and give the pillow appearance. These are most commonly caused by head shaking which in turn is caused by an ear infection. Treatment is surgical. Your vet will open the flap and drain the blood then suture the ear flap together to prevent further hemorrhage. Afterwards, treating any underlying infection should prevent head shaking. The ear can be drained with a syringe but it usually refills requiring repeated draining and leading to a potentially deformed ear flap.

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