My Shih Tzu's hematoma just popped and I'm not quite sure what I should do now. The blood has mostly drain from the ear
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Hello, I want to add here that aural hematomas are not only painful but they do not resolve satisfactorily on their own. It will most definitely refill, especially if your dog continues to shake his head (which is probably what caused the hematoma in the first place).
A hematoma results when the cartilage inside the ear flap (pinna) pulls away from the skin due to repeated trauma (the beating of the ear flap against the head). Bleeding ensues and fills that space. It can be drained (or sometimes it will pop on its own, as your dog's did). Because the space persists, it will refill. Eventually, and typically over a long time, the cartilage will scar back to the skin. But the ear flap will be significantly disfigured, and this is an irreversible change.
There are 2 things that need to be done. 1.) The ear infection needs to be appropriately treated, and 2.) the hematoma needs to be treated. Your vet may bandage the ear to the head, which sometimes works. Ultimately about 70% of these need surgery to suture the cartilage and the skin back together.
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I would keep the area clean and possibly apply some gentle pressure (if your dog is not too painful) to help to express some fluid. Try to prevent shaking of the head. Unfortunately, the ear could become infected or refill with fluid. If no improvement, contact your veterinarian.
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