Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Aural hematoma in dogs - how common and which breeds are at risk
By O'Neill, Dan G et al.·Published in Scientific reports·2021·The Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Reporting the epidemiology of aural haematoma in dogs and proposing a novel aetiopathogenetic pathway.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In 2016, 2,249 dogs were diagnosed with aural hematomas, which are painful swellings in the ear caused by blood collecting between the skin and cartilage. Certain breeds, like Bull Terriers, Saint Bernards, and French Bulldogs, were found to be at a higher risk, especially as they age or if they have specific ear shapes. The study suggests that trauma to the ear cartilage in these breeds may lead to these hematomas. Understanding which breeds are more prone can help veterinarians better manage and prevent this condition.
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Abstract
To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for aural haematoma in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. A cohort study design. Dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016 were identified from the VetCompass database. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used for risk factor analysis. There were 2,249/905,554 dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016. The estimated one-year incidence risk for aural haematoma was 0.25% (95% confidence interval 0.24-0.26). After accounting for confounding factors, 14 breeds showed increased odds and 20 breeds showed reduced odds of aural haematoma compared with crossbred dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Bull Terrier (OR 7.42, 95% confidence interval 4.39-12.54), Saint Bernard (OR 7.28, 95% confidence interval 3.58-14.81) and French Bulldog (OR 6.95, 95% confidence interval 5.55-8.70). Increasing age, increasing bodyweight and breeds with V-shaped drop and semi-erect ear carriage also showed increased odds of aural haematoma. Associations between ear carriage within breeds and the risk of aural haematoma suggest that trauma along the line of cartilage folding within V-shaped and semi-erect ears may trigger aural haematoma. New knowledge of key breed predispositions will contribute to improved breed health control strategies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34753939/