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My dog's ear is swollen, hard, and thick. Does it need draining?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Malinois | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 5 months old | 90 lbs

I think my dog got bit by a black snake or spider in or on his right ear. The next morning his ear was swollen from base to almost the tip of the ear. It's about 1 1/2 in thick and hard. Dog doesn't seem bothered by it but it's been a week and it's not going down. Does it need to be popped or drained? My other dog had the same thing happen a couple of years ago. Her ear never completely went back to normal and has never stood up straight again. Any advice would be great

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 22nd, 2019

Hi there. I can't say for sure without being able to examine him, but what you're describing sounds like an aural hematoma - this is basically a pocket of blood in the ear flap. It's usually caused by the dog shaking his head or scratching at the ear due to an underlying ear infection or other problem, which can cause a blood vessel in the ear flap to tear. If he does have an aural hematoma, this can either be surgically drained by your veterinarian, or managed with anti-inflammatory medication and time until it eventually resolves on its own. I would recommend taking Herbie to the vet when you're able to, to confirm the diagnosis and see what your veterinarian suggests as the best course of action.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 12th, 2017

    Delilah may be suffering from a severe ear infection or an othematoma, where due to excessive shaking or other trauma a bloodvessel in the ear flap bursts and blood seeps between the skin and the cartilage of the ear and forms a balloon type swelling . Either condition needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Othematomas are tricky to treat, your vet will remove most of the blood and then inject a steroid into the cavity and may pressure bandage the ear. Sometimes this procedure will have to be done 2 or 3 times, and in very severe cases surgery is needed to stop the bleeding. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian.

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