Blättler Urs, Harlin Olof, Mattison Richard G, Rampelberg Francoise
Gross- und Kleintierpraxis Grünau, Hauptstrasse 43, 6260 Reiden, Switzerland.
Vet J. 2007 May;173(3):697-700. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.02.009. Epub 2006 Apr 19.
Aural haematomas occur commonly in dogs in which predisposing factors include trauma to the pinna, a history of violent head shaking, and acute or chronic otitis externa. Treatment usually involves invasive surgery performed under general anaesthesia but these techniques can create wounds requiring intensive aftercare. Furthermore, certain breeds of dog and/or older animals are often at greater risk due to complications arising from the use of anaesthetics. Therefore, a need exists for a less invasive procedure which can be performed easily in general practice and with minimal reliance on anaesthetics. Fibrin sealants fulfil these criteria and have been used successfully to treat aural haematomas in humans. This is the first known report on the use of fibrin sealant to treat a canine aural haematoma. In the present case, the haematoma recurred shortly after removal of the protective collar, and was subsequently treated by conventional surgery. Possible reasons for initial success of the fibrin sealant and then later recurrence of the haematoma (e.g. premature removal of the collar) are discussed.
