Can My Cat Die From Hematoma

What Are The Treatment Options For A Subdural Hematoma

An acute subdural hematoma can only be treated in an operating room.

A surgical procedure called a craniotomy may be used to remove a large subdural hematoma. Its normally used to treat acute subdural hematomas. In this procedure, your surgeon removes a part of your skull in order to access the clot or hematoma. They then use suction and irrigation to remove it.

For an acute subdural hematoma, a craniotomy may be a necessary life-saving procedure. But it still has risks. In one study , 18 percent of patients died within 30 days of the surgery.

A burr hole can be used to drain chronic subdural hematomas as well as acute ones that are smaller than one centimeter at the thickest point. First, your surgeon creates small holes in your skull and then places rubber tubes in them. The blood from the hematoma drains out through these holes. Though recovery rates vary, 80 to 90 percent of patients experience significant brain function improvement after this procedure.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-seizure medications to treat or prevent seizures that might be caused by the subdural hematoma. Medication may also be used to treat your brain injury. Corticosteroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation in the brain.

Complications of subdural hematomas may occur soon after the injury or sometime after the injury has been treated.

These complications may include:

Can A Cat Die From Ear Hematoma

aural hematomawillcathematoma cancanearwill

If left untreated, the hematoma may slowly be reabsorbed, but the associated inflammation will have caused damage to the surrounding ear tissues resulting in a distorted, cauliflower-shaped ear. Aural hematomas are very painful, and for humane reasons they should be treated.

Also, how long does a cat ear hematoma take to heal? It’s normal for an aural haematoma to leak blood after being drained, this is nothing to worry about. However, if it bleeds more, or for longer than expected, call your vet for advice. Your cat should recover within 1-2 weeks if their ear heals without complications.

Also asked, can a cat die from a hematoma?

Blood collected in a pocket inside the body it is called a hematoma. Most hematomas are caused by trauma, but some cats may develop them due to a clotting disorder. Hematomas on organs or in the brain can lead to more serious medical conditions, but most subdermal hematomas are not serious.

How do you treat a hematoma in a cat’s ear?

There are two main ways to treat ear hematomas: medically or surgically. The surgery involves making a cut into the ear flap to allow blood to continue to drain from it and then passing sutures through the two pieces of cartilage, keeping them together so that there is no room for the blood to pool.

Infection From Cat Bites

Health Guide Info warns a cat bite infection can develop within 24 to 48 hours of being bitten. Common signs of infection include:

• Redness: One of the first signs your bite may be getting infected is redness around the wound. This can vary from light pink to a dark, angry-looking crimson red. If the area is getting red, watch for any spreading of redness outward to the rest of the body. Spreading of redness could indicate blood poisoning.
• Heat: Whether or not the bite begins to redden, check it often to make sure it is not warmer than the other parts of your body. As your body sends antibodies to fight infection, the temperature around the infected area may heat up even before the area turns red.
• Odor: Some bites develop an unusual odor. It may be difficult to detect at first, but the wound may smell if untreated.
• Pusor oozing: An infected bite can abscess and puff up with a growth that looks like a pimple or boil. The growth will eventually pop and drain, but a doctor should examine the wound.
• Fever: This may develop if an infection is left untreated too long.

Health Guide Info lists headache, fatigue, low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat as additional symptoms of infection. Treatment generally consists of antibiotics and possibly a tetanus shot.

You May Like: Why Is My Cat Purring So Much

How Blood Clots Are Formed

Bleeding disorders may be present at birth or occur later. Defects in blood clotting proteins usually show up as delayed bleeding and bruising deep in tissues, bleeding into joints or body cavities, or the formation of hematomas . Platelet defects usually show up as superficial small bruises, nosebleeds, black stools caused by bleeding into the bowels, or prolonged bleeding at injection and surgery sites.

Animals can also clot excessively. These disorders, called hypercoagulable states, can lead to blocked arteries. They can occur due to inherited disorders of anticlotting proteins or can be acquired. Acquired clotting diseases are more common in animals than are inherited disorders.

Blood clotting tests can help identify animals with defective clotting proteins. However, the tests are not very sensitive, so an animal must have a severe deficiency for the tests to find the problem. Newer tests may provide more information, but they are not widely available.

Bleeding disorders include clotting protein disorders, platelet disorders, and vascular disorders. The ones that are most common in cats are described below.

How Is An Aural Hematoma Diagnosed

Diagnosis is usually straight forward. Your vet can learn a lot just by examining and feeling your cats ear. This is especially true if an ear infection is also present.

In some cases, your veterinarian may take a needle sample to confirm there is blood in the swollen area, and to rule out other conditions, like a skin mass, that would require a different treatment.;

You May Like: How To Prevent Fleas On Cats

What Is Abdominal Bleeding

If internal bleeding is caused by trauma, often from being hit by a car, the bleeding may be profuse and occur rapidly. This is an emergency situation requiring immediate veterinary attention. The liver and spleen are the most commonly affected organs in a traumatic accident. Other life-threatening injuries may also be present after extreme trauma has happened. The abdominal cavity is very large and can contain a high volume of blood. The cat may go into shock from abdominal bleeding.;

Severe internal conditions can also cause internal bleeding, however, this bleeding tends to be slower. The body may also reabsorb some of the blood collected in the abdomen, making the bleeding appear to be less than it is. Gastrointestinal cancer can cause bowels to rupture, which can lead to slow internal bleeding. Ulcerations and hematomas can also contribute to chronic blood loss into the abdomen. These conditions, while not emergencies, are still severe and can be life-threatening. Veterinary assessment is required.;

The abdomen of a cat is a large cavity containing most of the vital organs in the body. The complete digestive tract is housed within the abdomen. Extreme injuries from trauma or progressed internal ailments can cause blood vessels within the abdomen to rupture and bleed into the space between organs. This is sometimes referred to as hemoperitoneum or hemoabdomen.

Vet bills can sneak up on you.

Plan ahead. Get the pawfect insurance plan for your pup.

Average Cost

Diagnosing An Ear Hematoma In Dogs

The hematoma itself is easily identifiable and not difficult for a veterinarian to diagnose by visual examination. Whats more important when determining treatment is understanding what caused the hematoma in the first place.

So the next step after a physical exam is to focus on the reason behind the head-shaking and/or scratching. The initial evaluation may include, but is not limited to, the following tests:

• Needle aspiration, which will confirm that the fluid in the pocket is blood.

• Routine blood work

• Urine test

• Examination of the ear canal to check for signs of infection, parasites, and/or foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal. This exam will include taking a swab from the ear canal and looking under a microscope for bacteria and yeast .

• Food trials/skin tests to identify food or other allergies that can cause discomfort. This can be a bit trickier than simply examining samples under a microscope; some trial and error may be required to identify the allergen. Additional allergy testing may need to be conducted.

Don’t Miss: How Much Dry Food To Feed A Kitten

Signs And Symptoms Of An Ear Hematoma In Dogs

One of the most common signs of an ear hematoma is the appearance of the ear. As a result of the lump or fluid-filled pocket, the ear may appear thicker in size, taking on an inflated look, sometimes referred to as cauliflower ear. The swelling can be firm to the touch, or soft and fluctuant.

Here are the indicators to look for:

• All or part of the ear flap filled with fluid

• Itching

• Head-shaking

• Tilting of the head sideways

These signs and symptoms are not only indicators your dog may have an aural hematoma they may also indicate that there is an underlying condition causing the hematoma that needs to be diagnosed and treated.

If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, they should immediately be checked out. This condition is extremely painful, so you will want to quickly determine the best course of treatment.

How Is It Caused

When something irritates the ear canal, the cat responds by scratching or shaking its head. Excessive shaking causes blood vessels to break, resulting in bleeding. An understanding of the ear’s anatomy makes the sequence of events more logical.;

The ear flap is composed of a layer of skin on each side of a layer of cartilage. The cartilage gives the ear flap its shape. Blood vessels go from side-to-side by passing through the cartilage. Violent shaking causes the vessels to break as the skin slides across the cartilage.;

Don’t Miss: Do Cats Pick A Favorite Person

Causes Of Cat Depression

Depression in cats is often a temporary response to a change in their life. Some cats are quite sensitive, and they can experience mild depression over what seem to us like small things, such as moving their litter box or outfitting them with a new collar. Other examples of major changes that can trigger depression in cats are:

• Moving to a new home or apartment
• Arrival of a baby or adopted child
• A new pet in the household
• Construction in the home
• Visitors staying at the house
• Disruption in the family, like divorce or death
• A traumatic event, such as getting hit by a car

In some cases, such as a short-term visitor or home improvements, you may be able to wait out whatever is stressing out your cat. If the change is permanent, they may go back to their happier selves after some time to adjust.

Dogs can suffer from depression too. Find out how you can help a depressed dog.

Whats Recovery Like After Aural Hematoma Surgery

A cat may have some soreness for a few days following surgery, but your veterinarian will give you pet-safe medications for them to address pain and inflammation, as well as antibiotics if indicated.

An Elizabethan collar is also needed, to prevent your pet from scratching their earthis reduces the risk of inflammation, bleeding, or accidentally removing the sutures too soon. And, most pets will have a bandage on their head to help protect the ear and place gentle pressure.

Your vet will let you know how to monitor and care for your pet at home after surgery, and when to come back in for rechecks and for suture removal.

Also Check: How Many Calories Should Cats Eat

Symptoms Of Ear Hematomas In Dogs & Cats

An ear hematoma will cause part of the ear to appear puffy and swollen and may feel warm to the touch. Its likely to get bigger quickly because the ear is filled with blood, and is probably most visible from the inner side of the ear. An ear that normally stands up may stick out to the side or fold down.

Your pet might not want his ear to be touched because it is probably uncomfortable. He might try to make it feel better by rubbing or scratching it but that could make it worse by breaking more blood vessels and allowing more blood to fill the ear.

Are There Cat Therapists

There are people who advertise themselves as cat therapists or psychologists. These folks may be well-meaning, but their titles dont indicate that they have the skills or training necessary to help your cat.

Always consult your veterinarian first who can refer you to an expert such as a veterinarian with advanced training, certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Read Also: Why Is My Cat Scratching So Much

How To Help A Depressed Cat

First, you should visit your veterinarian to rule out any underlying illnesses. They can also help determine the best approach to helping your cat, which could include anti-anxiety medication. Other things you can do to help a depressed cat include:

• Stick to a routine. Cats are not fans of uncertainty, so having steady times for meals, cuddles, and playtime can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
• Play with them. A depressed cat may not be inclined to play, but its worth trying to engage them with a favorite toy or activity.
• Shower them with love. If your cat isnt seeking you out for attention, go find them. Approach them gently and see if theyll accept a good scratching behind the ears.
• Enhance their meals. If your cat isnt eating enough, ask your veterinarian for advice on enticing them with added chicken broth or tuna water. These options also add liquid to your cats diet, which can help prevent dehydration.
• Turn on the tunes. Your cat may enjoy the calming sound of classical music, especially if their depression is coupled with anxiety. Or perhaps something livelier would spark some energy and encourage them to play.

While you may be able to cheer your cat up, you may not be able to shake them out of their depression completely. They may still need time to process a life change or recover from the event that triggered their sadness. Dont hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian with any concerns.

Is Surgery Really Necessary

If the hematoma is mild or if your pet is unable to undergo anesthesia for the surgery, your vet may try to drain the hematoma with a large needle.This isnt the ideal route to care for your pets ear, though. Without surgery, aural hematomas usually come back .

Additionally, if blood clots have formed, it will be difficult if not impossible for your vet to drain the hematoma with a needle. The blood clots will be too big to fit through it.

Read Also: When Can A Cat Be Declawed

How Is An Ear Hematoma Treated

First, it should be treated by a veterinarian. We do NOT recommend that you try to drain the fluid within the hematoma yourself. If you try this in most cases, the hematoma returns within a couple of days and then you risk infection and more inflammation.

Veterinary treatment depends on how long the hematoma has been bothering your cat, how big it is, and your vets preferences. If the hematoma is small or old, the vet may do a needle aspiration, this is where the fluid is removed by your vet using a syringe.

If however your vet decides that drainage is needed, he will probably perform surgery under anesthesia and place a drain in the ear to keep more blood from accumulating. Stitches may also be used to stitch the ear skin to the ear cartilage. Youll need to take your cat back to the vet a few times to change drainage tubes and remove sutures.

Alternately your vet may decide to avoid surgery and treat the hematoma with oral steroids like prednisone, which reduces the swelling. This treatment works best if you have taken your cat in for treatment early in the hematoma-producing process. Even if the hematoma has gone untreated, the steroids can still work, but your cat is likely to end up with scarring and disfigurement.

How To Avoid Cat Ear Hematomas

Since ear hematomas are caused by your cat shaking and scratching to relieve the itching in her ears, the key to prevention is to treat the cause quickly and effectively.

Take your cat to the vet as soon as you see these signs for an accurate diagnosis. For a bacterial ear infection, the vet may prescribe an anti-biotic and this is generally an easy and effective fix for the infection.

Antibiotics, however, are not effective for fungal infections that are most often caused simply by an overgrowth of yeast in your cats ear. This will be simply treated by the administration of an antifungal medicine to your cats ear. If she has ear mites, the vet may prescribe an easy-to-administer, anti-parasitic formulation to get rid of them.

Either way, follow up by using Banixx Pet care at home:

We hope you found this article helpful and if your cat ever gets any cuts, abrasions, ear infections or;ringworm, we hope you keep Banixx Pet Care in mind. For more;information on how to keep your cat happy and healthy, visit our cat page.

Recommended Reading: How Long Do Tuxedo Cats Live

Treating Your Dog For An Ear Hematoma

An ear hematoma is painful for a dog, so its important to have it examined as soon as possible.

Theres always the chance that a small hematoma might not need to be treated; they can resolve on their own as the blood becomes reabsorbed. But hematomas should still be checked out. Even a small hematoma can be painful, and while the swelling will eventually subside, the ear may permanently appear thicker and take on a cauliflower appearance where the hematoma was located.

In order to treat the hematoma, your vet will most likely try to treat the underlying cause first, to prevent the possibility of another hematoma forming on the same or opposite ear.

Many veterinarians will recommend conservative care, using at-home warm compresses and/or anti-inflammatories or other pain medications. But other possible treatments include the following: