Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your dog, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Help! My Dog Has a Ear Hematoma!

“Hi Dr. Paola!

My elderly Boxer/hound mix Loki (rescued 10 years ago; not certain what breeds or age- approx. 13-15 yrs old) had an ear hematoma develop overnight. This is the first-ever occurrence. His ears are not infected, but he does have allergies. I immediately took him to the vet yesterday. They used a syringe to drain the blood/fluid, gave me antibiotics and steroids, and 1 hour later, I took him home. The bill for this was a breathtaking CDN $1700! This morning, his
ear is all swollen up again! The vet told me to wait a few days and then they may need to do a more comprehensive surgery. I cannot afford it and am in tears.

Any advice, please?”– Jules

Hi Jules,

I’m sorry to hear about this stressful situation, and thank you for getting in touch. Unexpected health issues and vet bills are never easy to stomach. The first priority is Loki’s well-being and you did the right thing by taking him in.

Auricular hematomas often refill quickly after needle drainage because the pocket between the ear cartilage and skin seals imperfectly, allowing more fluid to accumulate. Simple aspiration has a high recurrence rate, particularly in older dogs with chronic allergic irritation that leads to scratching or repeated head shaking. When the ear keeps refilling, the more reliable options usually involve placing a drain or performing a small surgical procedure to tack the skin back down to the cartilage so the space cannot reopen. This is why your veterinarian mentioned the possibility of a more comprehensive intervention.

When finances are limited, it is worthwhile to have an open conversation with the clinic about all appropriate options. It may also be worthwhile to get quotes from other nearby practices so you can make the decision that is best for you and Loki.

Some practices can place a small drain or soft cannula under local anesthesia, which can reduce costs while still allowing the ear to heal gradually. These approaches do require careful follow-up and strong control of the underlying allergy because that irritation is usually the driving force behind the hematoma. Gentle warm compresses and reducing triggers for scratching or head shaking can also support healing. You clearly acted quickly for Loki, and with the right plan, many older dogs recover well even when surgery is not feasible.

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Dog Has a Bump that Keeps Coming Back!

“Hey Dr. Paola,

My pitbull, Speedy, has a blister-like bump with hair missing in it, and sometimes it has stuff that leaks out. Sometimes she gets a allergy shot, and it dries up for a bit, but it doesn’t ever fully go away. What could it be? “ – Crystal

Hi Crystal,

A small blister-like bump with hair loss that occasionally drains often comes from ongoing inflammation in the skin. Conditions such as a follicular infection, a localized hot spot, or a sebaceous cyst can look similar from the outside, almost like a tiny balloon that keeps refilling because the underlying trigger is still present. Since Speedy improves temporarily after an allergy injection, it suggests that itching and repeated licking or scratching may be keeping the area irritated, which is common in dogs with environmental allergies.

These bumps rarely resolve completely unless the underlying cause is identified and addressed. A veterinarian can examine the area closely, check for bacterial or yeast overgrowth, and determine whether cultures, cytology, targeted allergy management, or, in some cases, surgical removal would be the most effective approach. With an appropriate treatment plan, the skin can heal more predictably, and the cycle of irritation and drainage becomes far less likely to return.

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! I Would Like a French Bulldog but I am Worried!

“Hi Dr Paola,

This is a general question, as I don’t have a dog yet. I have been looking into French Bulldogs because they are the cutest dogs in my opinion, but the more I look into them, the more I’m learning that they may not be the healthiest choice. Is this true? And if so, why are there so many people buying these dogs? ”  – Rianne

Hi Rianne,

French Bulldogs are undeniably charming, yet they do face important health considerations that every future owner should understand. Their shortened skull shape affects airflow through the nose and throat, a combination known as brachycephalic airway syndrome. These structural changes make breathing feel much harder than it should, almost like trying to pull air through a narrow straw. Heat, exertion, and even excitement can overwhelm them because panting is their main cooling mechanism. Many also develop chronic skin fold irritation along with a higher risk of spinal and digestive problems, so caring for them often requires ongoing monitoring and long-term management.

Their popularity keeps growing because their expressions and affectionate nature are truly appealing, and social media has amplified that charm. Unfortunately, high demand has led to breeding choices that favor appearance rather than healthier structure, which reinforces the traits that compromise their comfort. Breeders who select for more open nostrils and less exaggerated features can lessen some risks, although the breed overall still tends to need more medical care than many others. Understanding this now allows you to choose a companion whose long-term needs align with your lifestyle and helps ensure that your future dog can live as comfortably and happily as possible. I congratulate you on your proactive approach to becoming a pet parent!

Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola