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My dog has a puss-filled ear lump. When should I take her to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a puss filled knot on her ear, it is about the size of a quarter. Blood and puss come out when the are is touched. I have been putting ointment on it and keeping it clean. The hair has fallen out in the area that is inflamed.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2016

Unfortunately this sounds like an abscess and needs to be drained by your vet followed by oral antibiotics to successfully treat this area. When an abscess is present the body has walled off the area of infection with a thick layer of skin, and although this is beneficial for the pet because it prevents the infection from spreading to the rest of the body, it also doesn't allow topical medication to penetrate the area either. Which is why oral antibiotics prescribed by your vet are ultimately needed here.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Your poor pup! It sounds like she may have an abscess on her ear. It will need to be drained and flushed sterile, and she will need oral antibiotics to treat it. Topical ointment will not cure it, so you need to take her into the vet. I would take her into the vet now, as it needs immediate medical attention.

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