Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery versus steroid shots for dog ear hematomas outcomes
By Itoh, Teruo et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2021·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical creation of multiple drainage holes versus local injection of corticosteroids for treatment of aural hematomas in dogs: 51 dogs with 71 aural hematomas (2000-2017).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 51 dogs with aural hematomas (swollen ears filled with fluid) were treated either by creating multiple drainage holes or by injecting corticosteroids. The results showed that the drainage hole method had a much lower chance of the hematomas coming back compared to the steroid injections. While some dogs did develop new hematomas, particularly Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, most dogs had good cosmetic results and did not experience recurrences after eight months. Both treatments were effective, but the drainage holes seemed to be the better option for preventing future issues.
People also search for: dog aural hematoma treatment · corticosteroid injection for dog ear swelling · Golden Retriever ear problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome of surgical creation of multiple drainage holes (MDHs) versus local corticosteroid injection (LCI) for treatment of aural hematomas (AHs) in dogs and identify risk factors for recurrence and development of new AHs. ANIMALS: 51 dogs with 71 AHs. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, clinical findings, and outcome was recorded. Recurrence was defined as development of an AH at the primary site after the first month of treatment. Development of a new AH was defined as an AH occurring at a site different from the treated site. RESULTS: The recurrence rate after the first month of treatment was significantly higher following the LCI procedure (17/48 AHs [33%]) than after the MDH procedure (1/24 AHs [4%]). The odds of recurrence increased as the numbers of LCI in the first month increased (OR, 2.414). Recurrent AHs after LCI resolved with additional LCIs; only 1 AH (2%) required a change to MDHs. No recurrence was observed after the eighth month, and the cosmetic results were good. Sixteen of 51 (31%) dogs had multiple or new AHs. The risk of new AHs was higher in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers and in dogs with allergic dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Long-term outcomes suggested that both creation of MDHs and LCI can be therapeutic options for dogs with AHs. However, the risk of new AH development should be considered, especially in retriever breeds and dogs with allergic dermatitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34914622/