PRICING

• Aural Haematoma $1,650

 If your pet has developed a sudden swelling on their ear, they may be suffering from an aural haematoma—a common and often uncomfortable condition in dogs and cats.

At Moreton Bay Vets, we offer aural haematoma surgery to relieve your pet’s discomfort, treat the underlying cause, and prevent long-term ear damage.

What Is an Aural Haematoma?

An Aural Haematoma is a collection of blood between the skin and cartilage of the ear flap (pinna). It typically appears as a soft, swollen lump on the ear, which may feel warm or fluid-filled to the touch. Aural haematomas can occur in dogs and cats, though they're more commonly seen in dogs—especially those with floppy ears or prone to ear problems.

Left untreated, an aural haematoma can cause discomfort and may lead to permanent changes to the ear’s shape, sometimes referred to as “cauliflower ear.”

How do pets get Aural Haematoma's?

Aural haematomas are usually caused by trauma to the ear, often from:

• Excessive head shaking or scratching, usually due to:

  • Ear infections (bacterial or yeast)

  • Allergies

  • Ear mites

  • Foreign bodies (grass seeds, etc.)

• Bites, rough play, or accidental knocks

When a pet shakes or scratches their ear repeatedly, it can cause small blood vessels in the ear flap to rupture, leading to blood pooling under the skin—forming the haematoma.

Treating Aural Haematoma's

At Moreton Bay Vets, we tailor treatment based on your pet’s individual condition, severity, and underlying cause.

Treatment Options Include:

• Surgical Correction – The most effective and reliable treatment (more below).

• Draining the Fluid – Aspiration may be used for mild cases, but often the haematoma returns unless the root cause is addressed.

• Medication – If an underlying issue like infection or allergies is present, we treat it to prevent recurrence

How to reduce the risk of Aural Haematoma's

While not always preventable, you can reduce your pet’s risk with a few proactive steps:

• Treat ear infections and allergies early
• Keep ears clean and dry
• Check ears regularly for signs of irritation or foreign bodies
• Address head shaking or scratching promptly
• Avoid rough play that could cause trauma to the ears

Aural Haematoma surgery: What to expect

For most moderate to severe cases, surgery is required for treating Aural Haematomas and preventing recurrence.

The Procedure:

• Your pet is placed under general anaesthetic.

• The haematoma is surgically opened and drained.

• Sutures or special mattress stitches are placed to reattach the skin to the cartilage, preventing fluid from reaccumulating.

• A temporary drainage system may be installed.

• The underlying ear condition (e.g., infection) is also treated at the same time.

Surgery is usually day surgery, meaning your pet can go home the same day once they’ve recovered from the anaesthetic.

Post-Surgical Care

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure healing and reduce the chance of complications.

Aftercare Includes:

• Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent scratching or rubbing

• Oral medications, including pain relief and possibly antibiotics

• Ear drops, if treating an ear infection

• Stitch care – You may need to return for suture removal in 10–14 days

• Follow-up checks to monitor healing and ear health

Your vet will provide a personalised recovery plan and support you every step of the way.

Possible Post-Surgical Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks. Complications may include:

• Swelling or fluid reaccumulation

• Infection at the surgical site

• Stitch irritation

• Scarring or wrinkling of the ear flap (common in long-standing cases)

• Recurrence if the underlying issue isn't resolved

At Moreton Bay Vets, we take every precaution to minimise risks and support a full recovery.

What’s Included in Our All-Inclusive Surgical Package:

We’ve designed our pricing to be transparent, affordable, and all-inclusive—so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected costs later. Our surgical bundle includes:

      ✅ Surgical consultation upon admission with our veterinary team

      ✅ The surgery itself, performed by experienced veterinarians

      ✅ Take-home medications directly related to the procedure (e.g., pain relief, antibiotics)

      ✅ Post-operative appointments to monitor healing and recovery

The only item(s) not included is post-operative sedation & specific ear medications, which may be required. If sedation is recommended for your pet’s comfort or safety at home, we’re happy to provide an individual estimate.

Why We Bundle Our Surgical Pricing

We believe quality veterinary care should be affordable and stress-free. By bundling the full surgical journey into one straight-forward price:

      💡 You avoid unexpected add-on fees

      💰 You get excellent value for a comprehensive surgical care package

      💬 You know exactly what to expect—before, during, and after your pet’s procedure

This unique approach allows us to provide high-quality care at a fair, accessible price, without compromising on the comfort or safety of your pet.