CASE STUDY: SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF AURAL HEMATOMA IN A 7-YEAR-OLD MIXED BREED DOG

Abstract

Aural hematoma is an ear disorder characterized by fluctuant, fluid-filled swelling on the surface of the auricle (pinna), which can occur in both dogs and cats. This case involves a 7-year-old, 13 kg, female mixed-breed dog presented with swelling on the left auricular pinna. Physical examination revealed normal vital signs: body temperature 39.2°C, pulse 124 beats/min, respiration rate 22 breaths/min, capillary refill time (CRT) <2 seconds, and skin turgor <2 seconds. Hematological results showed values for granulocytes, hematocrit (HCT), low platelets, and high lymphocytes, but these were not clinically significant. The treatment performed was a surgical method using an incision technique with open drainage on the left pinna auricula. The suture pattern used was simple interrupted sutures with 3-0 non-absorbable silk thread. Postoperatively, the dog received cefotaxime antibiotics via intramuscular (IM) injection, oral amoxicillin, the anti-inflammatory meloxicam, and topical gentamicin. By day 12, the wound had begun to dry and heal, and the dog was in normal condition. To prevent aural hematoma, the dog's ear area and cage should always be kept clean to avoid ectoparasite infestations.