Whenever a dog or a cat injures its outer ear, it may be on the path to getting an ear hematoma or "cauliflower ear." This injury can be from scratching, from fighting, from parasites or from having an ear infection. When the ear itches, the dog or cat will not only scratch it, but violently shake its head.
Blood Vessel Balloons
The blood vessels in the ear flap swell up with fluid and then burst. The blood leaks underneath the skin, causing an angry red lump to balloon up on the ear. This is the hematoma. If not treated, this swelling gets bigger and more painful, especially if the animal keeps scratching at it. Hematomas rarely heal themselves. Not only does the hematoma need to be treated (often with surgery) but the underlying cause of the itchy ear also needs to be treated.
Prevention
Dogs and cats need to have their ears checked daily for signs of injury or parasites, which need treatment right away. If the dog has floppy ears, proper air circulation will keep the ears from getting wet and encouraging infection. At least once a week, turn the outer ears inside out so the air can dry them out.
