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I have a 8 year old Border collie cross who has developed a heamotoma in the flap of her ear.My vetinarian installed a stint and bandaged it securely.It stayed on for a full week and I took her back for a vet chech.and the bandage was removed.The stint was left in to continue draining.my dog removed it herself a day later.I was able to remove more fluid with gentle pressure for a few more days but then it healed over and is now swollen again.I have been applying ice cold compresses every hour or so but wonder if I am just wishful thinking.Is there anything I can do to eliminate this problem as she is uncomfortable but I would like to avoid the surgery that was mentioned if it did not continue to drain.Sincerly.HeathersCritters@aol.com

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Age: 8; Female; Breed: Border Collie cross

Already Tried:
Stint.Vet.inserted and wrapped. cold compresses.hourly.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $5

I think you will have to have it drained and sutured. Shouldn't take long to do it.
You may also want to consider making sure whatever caused the trauma is also taken care of.
I think you tried the alternative and the blood vessel kept bleeding so despite all your care I think surgically repairing the ear is your best bet.
Hope this helps you!

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Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: Dear Ms.Holmes.I do appreciate your help but would love to avoidmputing her through further trauma.(has had surgury on both hind legs(torn ligaments)this year plus now this ear problem...I do keep them clean but all it takes with her is one little hair tickling her inside and she goes balistic.She's just very sensitive.My additional question..will the cold compresses and time eventually dissipate the accumulated blood?She is my senior dog of 5 plus a Burro,goats,chickens etcbut I wil MAKE the time necessary to take care of this if it can be done.
Thank you,
Heather.

If I thought you could cope with this using home care I'd have helped you with what to do.
You can ignore it. It will go down eventually or pop up again and the ear will end up crumpled and unsightly which I don't think you really want.
If you have recurring ear issues you might be coping with food allergies which can make ears awfully itchy.
The cold compresses reduce inflammation and may help with blood clotting but they actually can slow dissipation of built up blood which has to be carried away by circulation. Warm compresses will increase circulation but may cause more bleeding as the blood flows more easily in the heat.
You could have it drained again and another stent put in and use an Elizabethan collar to keep her from scratching at it.
If she has enough ear length you can tape the ears together across the top of her head so she cannot scratch or shake them. But the spot needs to be drained really to get best results.

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