Ack! Swollen Ear Flap on a Chocolate Lab?

[beckythemom]

Gideon, our five month old chocolate lab, and I were wrestling earlier when he conked me on the forehead with the side of his head. I'm guessing his ear got caught between our skulls when they hit because now, his left ear flap is visibly swollen and he yelps when it's touched, regardless of how lightly. Looking on the internet it sounds like it's probably bruised from the headslam incident earlier today. I plan to call the vet first thing Monday morning but in the meantime, advice? Suggestions?

[shadowplay]

Cold compress, then lightly wrap ear (around head) to minimize further trauma, key phrase being 'minimize further trauma' so it's all relative to what the dog will tolerate, best of luck.

[beckythemom]

Well, I called the vet to listen to the recording to get their hours for Monday but instead was surprised to hear him answer the phone. He said it's a blood blister and definitely caused from the direct impact. He said farm dogs get them frequently. I can choose for him to do surgery that will drain it, but it's not cheap. The other option is to wait a few weeks and let it go down on its own. He might end up with some cauliflower ear, but other than that would be fine. Whew! What a blessing!

If he seems like it's bothering him I'll try the cold compresses but right now he's not letting anyone except me near his ear, and then only the lightest of touches. It doesn't feel incredibly warm compared to the other ear.

[shadowplay]

If you are worried about the cosmetic aspect of the ear, I'd seriously consider getting it drained. I can't imagine it'd be more than a hundred or so.

[LazerFlash]

Having had dogs with floppy ears, I can tell you that as soon as he's able to scratch at it, he will. There's not much you can do about it except make sure that his nails are trimmed and rounded, (Pedi-Paws or a good metal nail file), and to keep an eye on him.

[locolala]

My lab had one of these a couple of years ago. He had to have surgery for it, and then several days of meds afterwards.. granted he's old and we had to be really careful. If it is what I think it is, it's an aurual hematoma.. no fun for the pup, Pepper hated it. What vet do you use?

[Sunni1]

Hi Becky,

Mine had one a few years back. It was the yips of pain that made me get it drained. It does stay very tender and can swell up to scary looking size. Draining, some antibiotics, shaved down nails and socks on paws then we were over it. My vet told me the same thing. They can go away on their own. It's just what your dog can tolerate.

Good luck & hope your pup is feeling better fast!

Sunni

[beckythemom]

Surprisingly, he's letting me touch his ears like normal. I can even hold it back to look inside his ear. The swelling is down by every bit of half, if not more. Aside from his left ear being slightly droopy compared to the right one you can't otherwise tell by looking at it. If he starts whining or looks like he's in pain with it we'll definitely be calling the vet back, but for right now he seems to be doing fine.
Thanks, everyone!

[AAT53]

Stop abusing your dog. That's just mean. Abuse the boys instead.


;)

[beckythemom]

Stop abusing your dog. That's just mean. Abuse the boys instead.


;)

Didn't you hear? They both want to be home schooled. When they claim abuse, I can tell them they really did ask for it. (The whole corporal punishment thing is just banned from public school, right?)

(DISCLAIMER: For those of you who don't know me, I'm totally joking about the corporal punishment thing. I've neither the energy nor the ambition to chase my children down for the purpose of beating them.)

[AAT53]

I heard about the homeschooling. Just to show what a good friend I am I have already started making a padded cell that J can put you in just in case it takes the men in white coats a while to get here. :D

I thought of a better punishment than beatings...you can bring them over there and we'll make them watch "chick flicks" on the big screen. We'll start them with Steel Magnolias ...;)

[beckythemom]

I heard about the homeschooling. Just to show what a good friend I am I have already started making a padded cell that J can put you in just in case it takes the men in white coats a while to get here. :D

I thought of a better punishment than beatings...you can bring them over there and we'll make them watch "chick flicks" on the big screen. We'll start them with Steel Magnolias ...;)

That would totally work. You wouldn't believe the things they'll do to avoid watching The Golden Girls. ;)

In other news, Gideon's ear is nearly back to normal again. Slight tenderness, but not really any more than the uninjured ear.