An aural (auricular) hematoma is a fluid-filled swelling of the ear flap that appears when blood collects between the skin and the cartilage. In cats it is a warning sign that the ear or skin is itchy, so the swelling is only half the problem. The other half is why the cat keeps shaking its head or scratching.
Key facts
Aural hematoma at a glance- Species and system: cat (also dog, pig, horse and sheep); integumentary, on the pinna.
- Cause: the exact pathogenesis is unknown, but trauma from head shaking or ear scratching, usually from ear itch (for example otitis externa), is almost always involved (MSD).
- Classic presentation: a soft, fluctuant swelling on the concave surface of the pinna.
- Treatment cornerstone: control the underlying itch and drain the hematoma, with measures to prevent refilling.
- Outcome to remember: scarring and a crinkled ear (cauliflower ear) can follow any treatment.
- Zoonotic: only if the underlying cause is a contagious one, such as mites or ringworm.
What's inside
13 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- A step-by-step approach to the case
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 3 tables, 3 self-test questions and 4 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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