Took him to vet ,he is very protective and wary of strangers so they could not get near him. Vet gave us two pill Rx and said give it two weeks to heal .If it doesn't heal need to cut it (I guess like they lance boxers in the ring?) GF says we go back and they will sedate him with needle and cut it. That is not going to happen he is too aggressive around people he doesn't know. Anyone have any experience with this ? Thanks "Country Vet" are you still around ? If so please weigh in.

Hi. It sounds like he has an 'aural haematoma". Ideally it requires surgical Rx - draining, and the suturing the ear flap together. At the moment it is like a bag of blood. The most likely cause is trauma - resulting in bleeding inside the ear.

If not treated, it will resolve (eventually) - leading to a mis-shapen "cauliflower" ear.

If draining is attempted - he will require antibiotics, and also if the underlying cause was a bite from another dog - antibiotics are indicated as well.

As he is a challenging patient, if it is not bothering him too much - maybe just leave it to resolve?

thanks ! not a bite from another dog. anything you could recommend to help his discomfort /itching ? I am using Vetericyn plus the pills from the vet. They said wait two weeks and it might resolve itself.

Edited July 16Jul 16 by ricky52
typo

I cannot suggest anything worthwhile to give for discomfort. Because the ear flap (pinna) is swollen and heavy, it is a physical annoyance. Some dogs will continue to traumatise the ear until it is like a small balloon! When the ear flap is full of blood, it will get no bigger. What you are waiting for is for the blood in the ear to clot - and then gradually be resorbed by the body. This involves contraction of the ear and fibrosis - hence the eventual crinkled 'cauliflower' ear.

If the dog will allow you to - it may help to apply a bandage around its head, and strap the swollen ear down. Not many dogs will cope with this!

Expect more like 4 weeks for natural resolution.

Edited July 16Jul 16 by G Rex

Much appreciated ! I will try to wrap an ace bandage around his ear. I should not try to lance it?

Edited July 16Jul 16 by ricky52

10 hours ago, ricky52 said:

Much appreciated ! I will try to wrap an ace bandage around his ear. I should not try to lance it?

Sorry about the late reply. What are the tablets you are giving him? Antibiotics?

Lancing it will relieve the pressure - but if it is a fresh injury (3 days or less) - it may continue bleeding for some time. Draining it allows the blood/serum/clot to escape - but allows bacteria to enter - so infection will follow. While it is closed, it is a sterile condition.

If he is on antibiotics, it is an option. However - he will not like it!!

Once again - if you do allow it to drain - try to bandage and put pressure on the ear flap (by bandaging around his head) , to stop it reforming. Good luck!

Take the dog to another vet. This dog sounds to be dangerous/vicious as well. I certainly hope the dog is restrained at all times.

yes he is restrained at all times "Breeds from Thailand were historically used as guard dogs and hunters. They are naturally independent, alert, and possess a strong protective drive."

On 7/16/2026 at 3:14 AM, ricky52 said:

Took him to vet ,he is very protective and wary of strangers so they could not get near him. Vet gave us two pill Rx and said give it two weeks to heal .If it doesn't heal need to cut it (I guess like they lance boxers in the ring?) GF says we go back and they will sedate him with needle and cut it. That is not going to happen he is too aggressive around people he doesn't know. Anyone have any experience with this ? Thanks "Country Vet" are you still around ? If so please weigh in.

It sounds like what is called a "blood ear" (aural hematoma or ear hematoma) in my home country, when translated to English. Very small operation and normally successful. I had a German Shephard that got a blood ear, healed fully and the ear came up again as a normal ear.

If you ask AI — for example Google — you get a fine detailed explanation about treatment and surgery.

You can easily prick it with a needle and let the blood drain out. Then dab a cotton swab with drops of Betadine and disinfect the wound. After that, the ear will probably remain droopy unless you additionally support it with cardboard and tape.

and if I dont his ear will remain disfigured after the blood returns to his body?