How Much Does Ear Hematoma Surgery Cost In Dogs?

An ear hematoma in dogs, also called an aural hematoma, is a condition in which blood collects between the cartilage and skin of the ear flap, causing it to swell. This can be very painful for your dog and usually looks like a blister or a swollen mass on the ear. If you’re searching for information on ear hematoma surgery costs, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll examine ear hematoma, its available treatments, causes, and of considerable importance—the cost of surgery performed to correct it. Failing to get treatment for this condition may lead to more serious health issues, as many dogs will lose their appetite due to the chronic pain, which has an adverse effect on their overall health.

With more than fifteen years of experience in the insurance industry, and as a dog owner myself, I’ve seen how crucial timely intervention can be to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.

The most common type of hematoma in dogs is an ear hematoma–or aural hematoma. These happen when blood vessels burst and bleed between the cartilage and skin of the dog’s outer ear.

Ear hematomas appear in various shapes and sizes.  They may be small and affect just a small portion of the dog’s ear.

Ear hematomas look like a blister, though they may not be quite as red as a regular blood blister. There will be obvious swelling and a firm swollen mass on the earflap that can feel spongy or like a full water balloon. While it might look like it’s about to burst, the fact is that hematomas rarely do. However, they can be quite painful for your dog, especially when touched.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

Common symptoms of an ear hematoma in dogs include:

• Head shaking and scratching at the ear.
• Swelling and a soft, spongy feel to the ear flap.
• Pain and discomfort, especially when touched.

Causes

Hematomas are the result of trauma. The most common sorts of trauma that cause ear hematomas in dogs are excessive scratching or head shaking. That means your dog may be more likely to get a hematoma if it’s dealing with:

• Ear mites
• Insect bites
• Allergies
• Ear infections
• Ticks

Foreign objects inside the dog’s ear may cause discomfort that leads to excessive head shaking and scratching, as well.

Another typical cause of ear hematomas in dogs is bite wounds that don’t break the skin.

Treatment

While small hematomas may well resolve on their own, they might take weeks or even months to heal, which can lead to permanent ear deformity. It is ordinarily recommended to get veterinary care for your dog promptly, in order to properly treat the hematoma and any underlying issues there may be. Treatment options for ear hematomas in dogs include:

• Treating the underlying cause, like allergies or infections.
• Draining the hematoma with a needle.
• Surgery to remove the ear hematoma and prevent a recurrence.

How Much Does Ear Hematoma Surgery In Dogs Cost?

The cost for ear hematoma surgery in dogs is typically between $300 to $2,500.  Bear in mind that this cost can vary considerably, depending on the treatment method:

• The severity of the hematoma
• Ear hematoma surgery vs. non-surgical treatment
• Geographic location.of the veterinary clinic

What Is Included In The Surgery Cost?

The total cost of ear hematoma surgery typically includes several components, including: initial vet visit, pre-surgery blood work, anesthesia, surgical procedure, medications such as pain relief, Elizabethan collar.

Post-surgery check-ups aren’t always included in the initial quote and may cost an additional $50-$100 per visit​​.

Real-World Examples Of Ear Hematoma Surgery Costs

• Lemonade Pet Insurance: They provide a general range of $350 to $2,600.
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Costs usually range from $300 to $2,500, but could be more if there are complications.
• A-Z Animals: They report an average cost range of $300 to $2,500, noting that the price can vary based on the severity of the condition and additional health factors of the dog​​.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Ear Hematoma Surgery In Dogs?

The cost of ear hematoma surgery in dogs may vary based on several factors. A good understanding of these factors may help you anticipate the expenses, and make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

• Veterinarian’s Experience and Specialty: A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist may charge more due to their specialized training and expertise, which is crucial for complex cases​​.
• Geographical Location: The cost of veterinary services can vary widely depending on the location, with higher costs in metropolitan areas and lower costs in rural areas​.
• Size and Severity of Hematoma: The size as well as the severity of the hematoma can influence the total cost of surgery to remove it.
• Size and Health of Dog: Both the size of the dog along with its overall health condition can play a large part in total costs for the surgery.
• Pre-Surgery Consultations and Tests: Diagnostic tests and consultations including blood work along with physical examinations are necessary before surgery, adding to the overall cost​​.
• Post-Surgery Medications and Follow-Up Care: Post-surgery care, which encompasses medications and follow-up visits, can add considerably to the total expense​.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Hematoma Surgery In Dogs?

Pet insurance coverage for ear hematoma surgery in dogs can vary by policy and the company. Most pet insurance plans do provide coverage for conditions such as ear hematoma.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

Many pet insurance policies offer coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, such as ear hematoma in dogs. For example, Lemonade Pet Insurance typically covers the cost of ear hematoma surgery, excluding deductibles and coinsurance, as long as the policy was in place before symptoms appear​ed.

MetLife Pet Insurance covers ear hematoma surgery in dogs, also, under policies that include hereditary conditions. They urge pet owners to always check for exclusions related to pre-existing conditions when shopping around for pet insurance​​.

Pre-Existing Conditions

It is rare for a pet insurance policy to cover pre-existing conditions such as ear hematoma in dogs. If your dog was diagnosed with ear hematoma prior to your purchase of  the policy, or if your dog displays symptoms during the waiting period, the surgery might not be covered​​.

How Can I Save Money On Ear Hematoma Surgery For Dogs?

There are various strategies.that might help you save money on ear hematoma surgery for your dog.

First and foremost, you should definitely look into getting pet insurance that covers hereditary and congenital conditions, as this can greatly offset your out-of-pocket outlay. A lot of comprehensive pet insurance plans cover the surgery after deductibles and coinsurance, saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars. It’s wise to enroll your dog in insurance early on to avoid issues with pre-existing condition exclusions.

Another way to shave some off the total bill is to explore financing options or payment plans sometimes offered by veterinary clinics. Some clinics offer financing options or interest-free payment plans that can help you spread the cost over time. You might also look for veterinary schools in your area that often offer discounted rates for procedures performed by students, under supervision.

What Breeds Are Typically Affected By Ear Hematomas?

Your dog is at higher risk of developing ear hematomas if it experiences recurring ear problems. Particularly if they cause the dog to scratch at its ear and shake its head vigorously. Hematomas tend to occur more often in dogs with clotting or bleeding problems, even if there is no obvious trauma.

Dogs with floppy ears are also more prone to ear hematomas.

• French Bulldogs
• Cocker Spaniels
• Labrador Retrievers
• Basset Hounds
• Beagles
• Dobermans
• Bull Terriers
• Saint Bernards

Is Surgery Required For Ear Hematomas?

There are a variety of options for treating ear hematomas in dogs,  including:

• Surgery
• Cannulization
• Oral medications
• Injecting medication into the hematoma

The treatment that is right for your dog depends on numerous  factors, such as your dog’s  health, age, and the size of the hematoma. In simple, uncomplicated cases, the veterinarian can drain an ear hematoma using a needle, or successfully treat it with oral steroids.

They might also inject steroids to prevent the hematoma from refilling. In quite a few cases, the hematoma will need to be drained more than once. For this reason, surgery is usually more effective in avoiding repeat visits to the vet.

What Happens If Ear Hematoma Is Left Untreated?

If you leave a hematoma to let nature take its course, the blood will eventually reabsorb. This reabsorption may take as little as a week or ten days for smaller hematomas. However, larger hematomas might take weeks or months to reabsorb.

Then there is a risk that scar tissue will cause permanent disfiguration that creates “cauliflower ear”. This is when the skin takes on the look of a cauliflower floret. Prizefighters are prone to it, and so are dogs with recurrent ear hematomas.

How Can I Prevent Ear Hematoma In Dogs?

Preventing ear hematomas in your dog means addressing the underlying causes, as well as maintaining good ear health. Here are some tips to help prevent ear hematomas in dogs:

Manage Allergies And Infections

• Treat ear infections promptly with the help of your vet to prevent your dog from scratching or shaking their head excessively.
• Treat any allergies your dog might have, as these can cause excessive scratching and head shaking, which can then lead to ear hematomas.

Regular Ear Checks

• Clean your dog’s ears gently to prevent infections.
• Check your dog’s ears often for any signs of swelling, redness, or discharge.

Grooming

• Keep your dog’s ears clean and dry, especially after baths or swimming.
• Trim excess hair around the ears if your dog has a lot of fur, as this can help improve air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.

Parasite Control

• Use flea and tick meds to lessen the risk of ear mites or  other parasites that can cause irritation in your dog’s ears.