Ask the Vet: Hoarder Has Too Many Animals for Adequate Care
Animal hoarding is related to object hoarding and other mental health conditions. The recidivism rate for animal hoarding is very high, unless the hoarder receives post-intervention treatment. So, it's important to engage the appropriate agencies to help your neighbor.
Q: My dog Chase's ear suddenly developed a large, soft, warm swelling that encompasses the entire ear flap but doesn't seem to bother him. Will the swelling go away on its own, or should I take him to his veterinarian?
A: Whenever you notice any change in Chase, even one that doesn't seem to bother him, it's always best to make an appointment with his veterinarian.
It sounds like Chase may have an ear hematoma, also called an aural hematoma. A hematoma, Greek for a masslike structure ("-oma") full of blood ("hemat-"), develops when a blood vessel within the ear flap leaks and the ear ("aural" in Latin) becomes engorged with blood.
This probably occurred after Chase scratched his ear too vigorously or shook his head and struck his ear against something hard, like a coffee table.
If the ear hematoma is left untreated, the blood will be absorbed by his body, leaving a crinkled, scarred ear flap, sometimes called a cauliflower ear.
For a better-looking outcome, Chase's veterinarian will drain the blood and treat the ear to prevent crinkling and scarring.
Chase's vet also will check his ear canals to see whether an infection induced him to scratch his ear or shake his head. Fortunately, an ear hematoma alone doesn't impair hearing, as it affects only the ear flap.
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Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Contact her at https://askthevet.pet.
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