A new operative technique for aural haematoma in dogs: A retrospective clinical study

Abstract

Aural haematoma is treated either by surgical or by conservative treatment. Both techniques usually require several interventions and re-checks. A new operation technique has been evaluated that requires only a single procedure but is as effective as the techniques used previously. The haematoma is opened, cleaned surgically and the two layers of the auricular cartilage are appositioned inside with several suture lines placed on both sides of the incision, alternating the sides approaching to the sagittal cavity. None of the suture lines is stitched through the auricle completely as they all run intradermally on the side of the haematoma and to the cartilage on the other side. Twenty-three dogs with aural haematoma were treated between 2006 and 2012. In 21 (91%) of them, the haematoma healed without any auricle deformity. No secondary intervention was necessary in any of the cases. None of the 23 animals experienced a relapse during follow-up. The new method offers a minor risk of postoperative complications while accomplishing high healing rates.

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)

“…Aural hematomas reportedly occur more commonly in medium-to large-breed dogs, 4,9,12,13,23 pendulous-eared dogs (80% to 88% 9,11,13 ), and middleaged to older dogs (> 4 years; 86% to 93% 9,[11][12][13] ), and similar trends were observed in the present study. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers represented 43% (22/51) of the dogs in the present study, which was similar to percentages in some previous reports (32% to 67% 9,11,13 ); however, whether these breeds have a higher risk remains unknown because of a lack of comparison with the general dog population.…”

“…3,11,20,21 These techniques are usually performed in conjunction with procedures intended to decrease the size of the AH cavity, such as application of compression bandages, 1,10,[18][19][20][21] placement of mattress sutures or stents in the pinna, 1,10,[19][20][21][22] ablation of the cavity with a carbon dioxide laser, 11 or placement of continuous sutures between the cavity's walls. 23 Reported recurrence rates after these surgeries are low (0% to 27%). 5,7,11,12,17,18,20,21,23 In a recent survey 22 of veterinary practitioners in the United Kingdom, LCI was the most frequently used first-line treatment for AHs.…”

“…23 Reported recurrence rates after these surgeries are low (0% to 27%). 5,7,11,12,17,18,20,21,23 In a recent survey 22 of veterinary practitioners in the United Kingdom, LCI was the most frequently used first-line treatment for AHs. Although LCI is technically easy, inexpensive, and minimally invasive, that study showed that veterinarians who chose LCI were more concerned about recurrence than were those who chose surgery.…”

Use of Autologous Leucocyte- and Platelet-Rich Plasma (L-PRP) in the Treatment of Aural Hematoma in Dogs

“…In this prospective clinical study, we tested the clinical effect of L-PRP in treatment of aural hematoma based on hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effect of autologous L-PRP demonstrated by several previous studies in dogs [ 47 , 48 , 54 ]. Furthermore, recently, a human review to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in reducing post-operative split-thickness skin graft loss and hematoma formation showed that PRP decreased the odds of hematoma formation by 79% [ 55 ].…”