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Why is my dog shaking head, scratching, and has a swollen ear bump?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 50 lbs

My dog is 2 years old and has been constantly shaking his head and scratching his ear for the past mont and today I saw a huge bump on the inner part of his ear flap it is very swollen . What is wrong with his ear ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 24th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What you describe sounds like an ear hematoma. This condition can develop from head shaking which in turn can occur as a result of allergies or an infection so this may be the primary issue. This is usually treated surgically with drainage and a minor surgical procedure to avoid reaccumulation of blood. However, it could be something else like inflammation or an infection. For this reason, I recommend that you have Lucky evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck!

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Other Answers

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

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 16th, 2018

    This is probably due to a ear canal infection due to Malassezia spp. (yeast proliferation). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotic ear drops are needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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 Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 6th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Jack! Jack likely has an ear infection. Ear infections are usually causes by an overgrowth of yeast and/or bacteria. The Vet diagnoses the infection by looking at a slide of the ear discharge under the microscope. The infection is treated with an ear cleaner and medicated drops. Sometimes steroids are prescribed to decrease inflammation and pain. The only thing you can try at home is to clean his ears out every other day and try an antihistamine. For his comfort he should see the Vet today or tomorrow. I hope this helps! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?c=3307&articleid=165&d=155&category=604 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24165 https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2017

    If his ears are now swollen he is probably suffering from ear hematoma which is caused by the hear shaking. The primary problem is a severe ear infection though. You must take Chief to the vet ASAP in order to get this treated, your vet will need to treat the ear infection with prescription drops as well as oral antibiotics and for the ear hematoma he will need to prescribe steroids for 4 to 5 weeks.

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