What is an aural hematoma?

An aural hematoma is accurately described as a collection of blood that forms between the skin and the cartilage of the ear flap, typically resulting from trauma or injury to the ear. This condition can occur when a dog shakes its head excessively due to discomfort or irritation, leading to a rupture of blood vessels and subsequent bleeding. The blood accumulates in the space, causing the ear flap to swell and become painful. Recognizing an aural hematoma is important for timely treatment, which may include medical management or surgical intervention to prevent further complications and alleviate the discomfort for the dog.

The other options refer to different ear-related issues: a build-up of wax in the ear canal indicates a condition related to ear hygiene, an ear infection involves inflammation caused by pathogens, and a growth in the ear could refer to tumors or other anatomical changes. While these may all affect a dog's ears, they are distinct from the specific condition of an aural hematoma.