Surgical correction of an otohematoma in dog: Case report

Abstract

Otohematoma or also known as auricular hematoma is a pathology commonly diagnosed in the clinical-surgical routine of small animals, and may affect both dogs and cats, with a greater predisposition in animals with pendulous ears. The formation of the otohematoma is often related to direct and self-inflicted traumas on the auricular region due to inflammation and otologic pain secondary to otitis externa. The diagnosis of the disease is made based on the history and physical examination findings, and the surgical treatment is the most recommended. This study aims to report the occurrence of an otohematoma in a dog of undefined breed, whose treatment consisted in the execution of surgical drainage followed by the use of the technique of cap sutures using sterile polyester buttons. The method used as treatment promoted excellent results, assuring complete drainage of the auricular hematoma, absence of remaining blood accumulation between both aural cartilages, besides complete healing of the ear without tissue deformity.