Despite representing a small portion of the dog's body, the ears are structures that are usually affected by pathological processes of various kinds. Some of these processes are manifested by swelling or the appearance of a lump in the auricle. Carrying out a good differential diagnosis will be essential to know the cause of this alteration, which may have a traumatic, inflammatory or even tumor nature.
In the next article on our site we will talk about the main causes that can cause the appearance of a lump in the ear in dogs, as well as the treatments of each of them.
Otohematoma
Undoubtedly, the otohematoma is one of the most frequent injuries that affect the ears of dogs. It consists of the accumulation of blood between the ear cartilage and the skin, generally on the inner side of the ear (although it can also occur on the outer side).
Normally, appears as a consequence of traumatisms to the ears, which cause rupture of the vessels that supply the pinna, which results in the formation of a hematoma. These injuries are usually due to ear scratching or constant head shaking as a result of chronic itching. Therefore, it is a particularly prevalent lesion in dogs with otitis or dermatitis that cause intense itching. However, cases of otohematomas have also been described in dogs that do not suffer from these processes, in which it seems that the cause is immune-mediated
Regardless of the cause, the hematoma formed separates the skin from the ear cartilage, creating a characteristic swelling or lump in the ear. If left untreated, the hematoma organizes to form a clot and, subsequently, a seroma. In these cases, it is common for the granulation tissue that forms to adhere to the atrial cartilage and “wrinkle” or “pucker” the auricle, thus causing its deformation.
Treatment
The treatment of otohematoma in dogs can vary depending on its extension and degree of evolution. Small and recent bruises can be resolved with medical treatment based on:
- Close suction: the hematoma is punctured with a needle or catheter and the contents are completely drained.
- Bandage: once the blood has been drained, it is important to place a bandage that keeps the ear cartilage in contact with the skin to promote healing. cicatrization.
In very large otohematomas or those with a certain organization, it is necessary to resort to a surgical technique which, although more aggressive, is also definitive. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made in the ear to drain the blood and remove any adhesions that have formed. After that, it is sutured with transfixing stitches that allow the skin and ear cartilage to remain attached. In the postoperative period, bandages must be placed, which must be changed every 48 hours.
Finally, note that in addition to resolving the otohematoma, it is essential to establish a specific treatment for the cause that triggered it (generally otitis or dermatitis). Otherwise, recidivism is almost guaranteed.
Tumors
Another differential diagnosis to take into account when a lump appears in a dog's ear is tumors. Most neoplasms located in this body region are usually benign, some of the most frequent being:
- Lipomas: are benign, mobile tumors that are usually located at the base of the ear. Although initially small, they can grow to considerable sizes.
- Histiocytomas: these are benign tumors of epithelial origin. They are usually small neoplasms with a rounded shape and smooth edges. The color is usually reddish, although the surface usually ulcerates due to trauma, bleeding and crusting appearing.
- Papillomas: are benign neoplasms with a cauliflower-like appearance, irregular and quite fragile. They are usually pale in color, although they ulcerate and bleed easily.
Less commonly, malignant tumors such as adenocarcinomas or mast cell tumors.
Treatment
Regardless of their origin and malignancy, these tumors must be surgically removed to avoid future complications Before surgery, it is necessary to perform a biopsy to make a histopathological diagnosis and thus determine the type of surgery (conservative or radical) and the need for complementary treatments (such as chemotherapy, etc.).
Abscesses
An abscess is a cavity where pus accumulates It is an acute inflammatory reaction that occurs in the face of a bacterial infection. In the ears, abscesses usually occur as a result of bites, since the pinnae are highly exposed structures that are often the first to be affected in dog fights. However, the infection can also be caused by other causes that allow the inoculation of a bacterium in the subcutaneous tissue (punctures, scratches, puncture wounds, etc.).
Treatment
Generally, the treatment of abscesses is based on:
- Drainage of the abscess: the abscess must be opened to empty the purulent content and remove the capsule.
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy: a broad-spectrum antibiotic can be used or a culture and antibiogram can be performed from the abscess capsule to start a specific antibiotic treatment.
For more details, don't miss this other article on Abscesses in dogs.
Other causes of lumps in the ears of dogs
Throughout the article, we have named the most frequent causes that can cause the appearance of nodular lesions in the ears of dogs. However, there are another series of processes that, although less common, should also be considered in the differential diagnosis:
- Foreign body pyogranuloma: is a subacute inflammatory process caused by the entry of a foreign body. In dogs, the quintessential foreign body that produces this type of injury is the spikes. Although they usually get into the ear canal and cause otitis, they can also get into the skin of the auricle and cause a pyogranuloma. Treatment requires disinfection of the area and opening of the granuloma for removal of the foreign body. In case of infection, it will be necessary to start an antibiotic treatment.
- Canine leproid granuloma: is a chronic inflammatory process caused by bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium spp. It is characterized by the appearance of single or multiple nodules located on the head and ears. Surgical treatment of lesions is curative. It is the one seen in the image.
- Sebaceous cyst: is a non-inflammatory and non-tumorous lesion that consists of the formation of a nodular structure containing sebum. Surgical removal is curative.
