Chester’s Left Ear Hematoma Update

I massaged Chester’s left ear with warm towel for 3 days after the discovery of hematoma. Unfortunately the method didn’t work. Come Saturday, we had him taken to the vet. Surgery is recommended but I asked the vet to just drain the fluid.

This is how it looks like after the draining. Just like a normal ear but the area is a bit purplish. The vet took a syringe to drain all the fluid. Fills up to 3 to 4 syringe tubes.

This method of draining fluid has very small successful rate as it requires several time of draining and most of the time hematoma will appear again.

3 days after the draining, Chester’s aural hematoma is back (I expected that). Will be bringing him to the vet soon for another round of draining. This picture didn’t do the justice. It’s big.

There is the option of leaving the aural hematoma to heal on its own. The liquid will be absorbed back to the ear. But then that will be too much as it takes time to heal and it’s painful for the dog when the liquid is pressuring the ear. There’s also the after effect. The effected area will not look normal again. The ear will be crinkled up… looking like cauliflower due to new growing tissue.

I don’t want hematoma surgery for my dog (as long as he’s not in pain) because of so many reasons. A year and half ago, Chester had surgery to remove hematoma at his right ear. The suffering part for my dog is post-anesthesia. I don’t want him to go through that again. The 4 weeks after his surgery was the worst month of my life. And even after the surgery, the hematoma came back and Chester had to had another surgery. AND after all that, his right ear didn’t heal nicely. It crinkles a bit. So you see my point? It’s like no point going for the surgery.

So my approach is to drain the fluid when necessary and let it heals on its own. I’m not sure whether this is the right move. But at least my golden won’t be suffering. Of course all these depends on situation. If it becomes worse then I might consider. But then there’s also the question of whether his heart is strong for the surgery.

I don’t mind a crinkle ear. He’s still my dog. And I love him very much no matter what. XOX

Ahh finally I have him looking at me. Had to make a stupid sound to achieve that. Dogs… HA!