Aural hematoma
Aural hematomas are blood blisters in the pinna (ear flap). These appear as an even pliable swelling involving some or all of the pinna and generally are not painful to touch. The hematomas are a result of a blood vessel under the skin rupturing when the ear knocked against a hard surface. This can occur when the head is being shaken vigorously usually secondary to an ear infection. Bites from other dogs which fail to break the skin can also produce hematomas.

If the hematoma is not treated it will eventually be reabsorbed however as the blood clot under the skin shrinks it cause the ear to become wrinkled and misshapen in appearance. This can be prevented by surgically draining the clot and placing sutures (stitches) through the ear to close down the space left by the hematoma. There are many different techniques described but all rely on maintaining an opening in the skin over the hematoma for long enough to allow the area to heal without further filling with blood.

In dog breeds with upright ears the weight of the hematoma may cause the ear to fold which can become permanent if not corrected. Rigid pads are available which can be sutured to the outside of the ear to support the pinna in the correct position while healing takes place