Evaluation of closed-suction drainage for treating auricular hematomas.

The principal and dynamics of closed-suction wound drainage lend themselves to use on auricular hematomas. This type of drainage was evaluated in the treatment of 10 auricular hematomas on nine animals. Seven animal owners rated the results of the procedure as "good," and two rated them as "fair." The two rating the procedure as having "fair" results owned dogs with allergic dermatitis, and the auricular hematomas recurred. In both dogs, auricular hematomas again recurred after other means of treatment were used. If the pocket for the vacuum tube is not secure and the animal is quite active, or if it molests the bandage, or both, it is possible for the tube to break or the needle to come off of the tubing.