Lump/liquid on the inside of the ear

[Northcountrygirl63]

My German Shephard had a big lump full of liquid on the inside of his right ear about a month ago. The vet took a syringe to take the liquid out and gave him antibiotics. Now the lump is back. I know about the possible surgery but I read somewhere that you can also wait for the liquid to disperse, although this might take 2-3 months. His ear is already broken from the first lump.As always, the cost is very high. The last one cost $200 and the surgery will be much, much more. I don't want to my dog's health but is it safe to wait? It doesn't seem to bug him that much.
Thanks for your help,
Helen

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

The lump that you are describing is consistent with an aural hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood between the skin and cartilage of the ear. In some cases, removal of the blood by syringe can be helpful, but in many cases the blood just fills up again, and in these cases surgery is usually required to prevent recurrence of the hematoma. Untreated, the blood will slowly be resorbed by the body, leaving a crinkled, scarred ear. If surgery is not a financial option, and if a scarred ear pinna is not cosmetically objectionable to you, then the hematoma can be left untreated. However, I will mention the caveat that aural hematomas do not form spontaneously; there is usually an underlying cause such as a puncture wound, a foreign object such as a grass seed in the ear, or most commonly allergies and secondary ear infections. The ear itch from allergies/infection causes the dog to shake his head and scratch his ear, creating the hematoma. If this is the case, then this is probably why the hematoma has recurred and he may go on to develop a hematoma in the opposite ear as well. So it is important to make sure that the underlying cause of the hematoma has been identified and treated.
Good luck,
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD
Dermatology Clinic for Animals of Las Vegas
www.dermvetvegas.com

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

PS. There is a good monthly spot on product called Advantix which may help repel the deer flies, as well as control fleas and ticks, you can ask your veterinarian if this product is available in Canada.

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

It is important to first examine the ear canal with an otoscope to look for foreign objects and evidence of ear infection such as discharge or inflammation. If infection is found, then analysis of the discharge under the microscope to find out if the infection is due to bacteria or yeast is then performed, and this guides therapy prescribed. In dogs with chronic or recurrent ear infections, an underlying allergic cause (such as food allergy or pollen/dust allergies) is likely; they may show other symptoms as well such as licking of the feet or scratching other places on the body. When this occurs the first step is to evaluate possible food allergy with a hypoallergenic diet trial and no other foods or treats given for 8 weeks; if symptoms resolve then the diagnosis is food allergy and the hypoallergenic diet is continued. If symptoms persist despite a strict hypoallergenic diet, then the diagnosis by exclusion is pollen/dust allergies.
Hope that is helpful,
Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD

[Northcountrygirl63]

Thank you so much. Your answer was very helpful indeed. I think the first lump appeared after he shook his head and hit the side of the table.He also had many deerfly bites from the summer that made him scratch his ears. But if I was to do some test, what would I ask the vet to be looking for? How can you detect allergies or secondary ear infections?

Thank you for your help!

Helen