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Ear hematomas are blood-filled pockets between the skin and cartilage of the ear flap, and they can be quite common in canines. They are painful and can cause disfigurement of the ear unless treated. Because of that, it’s crucial to treat a dog’s ear hematoma promptly by seeing a vet, who will likely perform surgery to drain the hematoma.
Vet checkups and visits can be pricey, so we want to provide you with more info about how much a dog’s ear hematoma surgery may cost. Typically, a dog’s ear hematoma surgery costs anywhere from $300 to $2,000, but the price can be higher in some areas. Read on to learn all the details.
The Importance of Removing a Hematoma from Your Dog’s Ear
If your dog has an ear hematoma, it’s crucial to react promptly and eliminate it. But before we get into the details of why an ear hematoma needs removal, you need to know what a dog hematoma looks like and what causes it.
In a dog, an ear hematoma will manifest as a small lump within the flap, or pinnae, of the ear. It will be soft and squishy and warm to the touch. Other signs of ear hematoma in dogs include:
- Itching and scratching in the ear
- Head shaking
- Pain in the affected area
- Discoloration of the ear
- Tilting the head
If your dog is showing these signs, we suggest you speak to a vet.
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Causes
Typically, dogs unintentionally cause ear hematomas by scratching or shaking their heads too often and too hard. When that happens, the dog can rupture the blood vessels inside the ear, enabling blood to pool between the skin and cartilage. This condition can happen to all dogs, but dogs with bigger, floppier ears are more susceptible to this problem.
One of the most significant issues with ear hematomas and the reason you should have them treated is that there might be an underlying condition causing the hematoma to appear. If there’s a medical issue you don’t know about, you could jeopardize your dog’s health.
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Ear mites
- Ear trauma
- Skin diseases
- Autoimmune disorder
- Blood-clotting disorder
As the ear hematoma in your dog is painful and could indicate something else is going on, you should immediately take your puppy to the vet if you notice this problem.
How Much Does Dog’s Ear Hematoma Surgery Cost?
Typically, a dog’s ear hematoma surgery costs anywhere from $300 to $2,000. The price can be much higher in some areas. The price of the surgery will depend on several factors, including:
- Your location
- The severity of the hematoma
- The surgical method used for treatment
The prices of dog ear hematoma surgery vary per region. Here’s a comparison of the typical prices of this surgery depending on your location:
- West Coast: $166–$2,500+
- Midwest: $180–$2,000
- East Coast: $870–$3,000+
Regarding the severity of the hematoma, a larger one may be more expensive to treat. Also, every vet has their own way of doing the surgery, though the basic process is the same. You may see a variation in costs based on the size of your dog, as anesthesia is needed, along with the tools used.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
You may run into additional costs depending on your dog’s specific issue. These may include:
1. Vet Examination and Lab Tests
The veterinarian must examine your canine and determine the underlying cause. During that consultation, the vet will provide information about all possible removal methods and their costs. This type of examination typically costs between $100 and $250.
Also, the vet will probably have to run several lab tests to ensure that your dog is healthy enough to withstand the surgery and anesthesia. The costs of those tests can vary from $100 to $200.
2. Anesthesia
If your canine needs ear hematoma surgery, they’ll also need anesthesia. Depending on your dog’s size and overall health, you’re looking at a price between $90 and $1,200 for the anesthesia.
3. Hospitalization
Dogs may have to remain hospitalized for a day after the ear hematoma surgery. The hospitalization price can vary but is typically between $100 and $500.
4. Medications
Depending on the pain your dog is going through and if there’s inflammation, they might need antibiotics, pain relief medication, or anti-inflammatory medications. While the price of these varies, they usually cost between $25 and $200. There may be additional medications prescribed for ear infections, ear mites, etc.
5. Follow-up Checkups
Once your dog goes through surgery, they must rest and recover for the next 2 weeks. During that period, your beloved friend will need follow-up checkups at the vet to verify the recovery is going smoothly. The costs for the additional checkups can vary from $100 to $250.
How Long Will My Dog Stay at the Vet?
Some dogs may go home the same day, while others may need a night in the hospital for the vet to monitor their recovery from anesthesia and make sure everything is in place following surgery. Hospitalization may also depend on the underlying cause of the hematoma.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog’s Ear Hematoma Surgery?
Most accident and illness policies will cover ear hematoma surgery unless the hematoma is connected with a previously diagnosed condition. After the surgery, you can file a claim with your pet insurance company, and you should get reimbursed for 70% to 90% of the cost. Of course, while most insurance companies cover these costs, that might not be the case with all companies.
Because of that, getting all the details before choosing a company for your pet insurance is always helpful.
What Happens If You Leave a Dog’s Ear Hematoma Untreated?
If you leave your dog’s ear hematoma untreated, it can become larger over time, causing more pain and stress. While the blood will likely be reabsorbed, the inflammation could distort your dog’s ear, which can obstruct the ear canal.
Remember that ear hematomas bring discomfort and pain to your dog, so it’s crucial to react quickly to have them treated.
How to Prevent an Ear Hematoma in Your Dog
While there are no strict rules on how to prevent an ear hematoma in your dog, there are a few preventative measures you can take:
- Keep your dog’s ears clean and dry.
- Groom your dog regularly.
- Treat underlying causes (allergies, infections, trauma, etc.).
- Take your dog to regular vet checkups.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a dog’s ear hematoma surgery varies, but it can be expensive, especially if there are additional costs for underlying causes. The vet can give you an estimate and provide tips for the recovery period. It’s not a condition that resolves on its own, and treating the hematoma promptly is vital to relieve your pup’s pain. Pet insurance can help with the expenses, but it’s best to contact your provider to ensure the procedure is covered.
Featured Image Credit: Kittima05, Shutterstock
