![]() The incision should be adequate to drain the clotted blood completely, but no longer than 1cm. Incising along the most superior aspect of the hematoma allows for better cosmetic healing as the scar will be concealed by the superior aspect of the helix. Incise the auricular skin overlying the hematoma using an #11 or #15 blade. Perform an auricular block to achieve analgesia. Indications: auricular hematomas ≥ 2cm in diameter, all hematomas present from 48 hours up to 7 days, hematomas that reaccumulate after needle aspiration Apply manual pressure to the area of the evacuated hematoma for 3-5 minutes. Identify and aspirate the most fluctuant part of the hematoma with an 18 gauge needle while milking the hematoma to ensure complete drainage. ![]() Anesthetize the area either with an auricular block or skin wheal of local anesthetic. How To Perform : Clean and prep the skin. Indications: small, acute hematomas specifically, hematomas < 2 cm in diameter and present for less than 48 hours Regardless of which technique you choose, hematoma evacuation should be followed by the placement of a bolster dressing to eliminate the potential for fluid reaccumulating. Both techniques should be performed under sterile conditions after adequate analgesia with either a regional auricular block or local infiltration. TreatmentĪuricular hematomas are treated by either needle aspiration or incision and drainage. If there is concomitant hearing loss or hearing issues, other diagnoses should be considered. If there is overt erythema and swelling that extends beyond the pinna of the ear, you should consider the development of perichondritis, an infection of the perichondrium that may require antibiotics. Ultrasound could also be used in the presence of an old injury to evaluate for an acute fluid collection. Do not leave the warm compress in place for longer than 20 minutes.This is commonly done with physical examination alone, but if there is a concern for inner ear/skull injury, you may consider obtaining a CT scan to evaluate for skull fractures, etc.Do not leave your animal unattended while the warm compress is on.(The warm towel method can be applied directly to the skin so long as you test it on your skin and it is not too hot). Place a thin towel between the hot pack and your dog’s skin. A hot pack should NEVER be applied directly to an animal’s skin.The damp towel may need to be reheated several times during a 15-20 minute treatment period.Test the temperature of the compress on your arm for 30-60 seconds before applying to your dog. A dry towel can be placed over the damp towel. You can then place a damp, warm towel over the area on your dog to be treated. You can use a commercial warm compress/ hot pack but make sure you wrap it in a dish towel or pillowcase!Īnother method is to soak a small towel in warm water and wring it dry. Warm compresses are probably most useful for treating chronic injuries associated with muscle soreness or spasms. Heat can be used once acute pain, swelling, and redness have diminished. This phase usually lasts 3-5 days following trauma or surgery. Heat should NOT be applied during the acute inflammatory phase of healing. Warm compresses also have a soothing effect that can be used for pain relief and to decrease muscle spasms and soreness. Sometimes your veterinarian might recommend hot packs to enhance circulation to stimulate healing or to help remove excess fluid by dilating the veins and lymph vessels. ![]() Applying heat in the form of a warm compress stimulates blood vessels in a specific area to dilate and bring more blood to the area.
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