Health Guide: Auricular Hematoma

Auricular Hematoma

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Definition

A blood/fluid filled swelling in the ear.

Clinical Signs

May observe the following:

A visible fluid filled swelling in the ear.

Scratching or digging in the ear.

Head shaking (not always present).

Etiology

A hematoma of the ear can develop when pruritic or inflammatory conditions like bacterial or fungal otitis externa, ear mites, atopy, or an autoimmune disorder causes the rat to scratch or dig at the ear. The persistant scratching ruptures small blood vessels in the ear which leads to the fluid-filled swelling.

Auricular hematomas tend to develop quickly and the pressure from the swelling can often cause discomfort.

Although the condition is rare in rats and not necessarily life threatening, recurrent hematomas or those left untreated can lead to tissue fibrosis and deformity of the ear.

Infections that are chronic or persistant pose a greater risk to the development of auricular hematomas. Attempts should be made to identify and treat any underlying conditions as they arise.

Photo example of hematoma formation have been provided in the following figure.

Fig. 1: Auricular hematoma.
Fig. 2 Auricular hematoma in a 2 year old rat. Tom’s case history and photos.

Diagnostics

Obtain history to rule out abcess, pinnal edema, or tumor formation.

Visualization of hematoma.

Treatment

Needle aspiration may be done in conservative therapy, or if hematoma is caught early in formation.

For persistant recurrence surgical incision and drainage, or evacuation of clot and repair of cavity, may be necessary.

In the event surgery is an option the following post-op analgesia may be given:

For severe pain or first 24 hours post-op: butorphanol (Torbugesic).

For mild to moderate pain: Banamine (flunixin meglumine) or carprofen. Do not use if a corticosteroid has already been prescribed.

Or may give Tylenol in the event discomfort is mild, and if no health contraindications.

For information regarding medications refer to the Rat Medication Guide.

Nursing Care

Medicate for pain if necessary.

If hematoma ruptures use a wick fashioned out of gauze or clean towel to absorb bleeding and apply gentle pressure, and contact veterinarian .

In the event of surgical incision and drainage, or evacuation and repair: provide hospital cage during recovery, especially if there are concerns that their cage mates may groom wound site.

Provide clean bedding daily such as clean cloths or ink-free paper towels. Avoid litter-type bedding post-op, and during healing, to prevent contamination to wound site.

Provide additional warmth using a hot water bottle or heating pad, if needed, in order to maintain body temperature within normal limits. Use low heat settings and place under one half of cage to ensure rat does not become overheated or dehydrated.

Outcome

Hematoma resolved.

Deformity and fibrosis of ear tissue prevented.

Underlying conditions treated to prevent reoccurrence.

Prevention

Treat underlying conditions as early as possible.

Posted on October 9, 2003, 17:50, Last updated on June 16, 2008, 13:28 | Auricle / Ear