Feline Aural Hematoma Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Aural hematoma (also called auricular hematoma) is a blood-filled subcutaneous fluctuant swelling on the pinna formed when traumatic rupture of capillaries and separation of the auricular cartilage and skin occurs. While more common in dogs, aural hematomas in cats present unique clinical considerations due to feline pinna anatomy and the higher likelihood of Otodectes cynotis (ear mite) infestation as an underlying cause. The condition is a sequela of ear pruritus or trauma, not a primary diagnosis.

In cats, the relatively thin auricular cartilage is more sensitive to inflammation, and scarring is more severe than in dogs. Untreated hematomas in cats are more likely to form a permanently narrowed ear canal, potentially leading to chronic ear infections and permanent disfigurement ("cauliflower ear").

Relevant Anatomy

Feline Pinna Structure

The feline pinna has a relatively uniform triangular appearance across breeds (unlike the variable conformation seen in dogs). It consists of three key layers: skin on both concave and convex surfaces, auricular cartilage sandwiched between, and dermis containing blood vessels.