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My dog's ear hematoma is swollen. Can it heal with home treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Weimaraner | Female | spayed | 12 years and 8 months old | 58 lbs

My dog had ear hematoma drained two weeks ago and steroid injected with laser treatment . Now ear is really swollen and she is finishing up steroids. I don't want to spend more money on ear since dog is 13 years old. She has had multiple ear problems her whole life. The other ear has had surgery and laser treatments awhile ago. That ear is deformed. Will the hematoma go away on it's own? Any home treatment to reduce the swelling?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 7th, 2017

It's possible that it will go away on its own in the next 2-4 weeks, but there will be some scar tissue that builds-up under the skin - maybe like the other ear appears. It's also possible that it will grow to fill the whole ear, or get infected. If it grows and/or is not going down in the next 2-4 weeks, then it's best to take Opal back to the vet. The vet will be able to drain it and can do a different procedure to keep it from swelling back up again (these often swell back up after they are drained). The steroid injections only work in about 70% of the cases and unfortunately it didn't work for Opal. There is really not much you can do for this at home that is very effective. You can try applying ice to the ear for 15 minutes 2-3 times daily and can also attempt to bandage it, so it's not continually being shaken. Below is a link to a good video that shows how to bandage the ear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FQ0JopKfY0 I hope that helps and Opal gets better soon.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    There are multiple ways to treat ear hematomas. I have had several recover with just draining and continuing oral steroids. It may take a month or more. I would encourage you to call your veterinarian and ask about the potential of draining and continuing steroids. The problem with leaving it is that the pressure is painful . Best of luck and I hope he improves quickly.

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