I'm really in need of some advice and support tonight. My sweet Buster has been going through a bit of a rough patch. We just had his ear hematoma drained at the vet's today, and everything seemed fine, but now it's all puffed up again. It's like the swelling came back with a vengeance and I can't help but feel worried. The vet's office is closed until tomorrow and I'm not sure what I can do to help him in the meantime. I've heard some people recommend applying something cold, but I don't want to do anything that might hurt him. Buster's been such a trooper through all of this, and he's clearly uncomfortable, shaking his head a lot and looking at me with those big, sad eyes. Any advice on how to make him more comfortable tonight would be so deeply appreciated. I'm feeling a bit helpless right now and just want to do the right thing for my furbaby. Thanks so much for being here.
Hello there! I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with a hematoma issue with your pet. Hematomas often develop when small blood vessels break under the skin, usually due to trauma or excessive shaking, leading to blood pooling in the ear flap or other areas.
If your pet’s hematoma has filled again after being drained, it can be frustrating. For now, keeping your pet comfortable is key. Here’s what you can do at home until you can visit the vet:
1. **Limit Activity:** Try to keep your pet calm and avoid activities that might aggravate the hematoma, like shaking or scratching.
2. **Avoid Touching:** Resist the urge to poke or press on the hematoma. Handling it too much could lead to more irritation or increased swelling.
3. **Cold Compress:** Gently applying a cold compress can reduce swelling and help with pain, but only if your pet tolerates it.
4. **E-Collar:** If your pet is scratching the area, consider using an E-collar to prevent further self-trauma.
Look for signs of pain, such as whining or reluctance to eat, and check if the area appears more swollen, hot, or discolored, which may indicate an infection or other complications.
It's best to book a video consult with Dial A Vet to discuss your pet's specific situation further. We'll help guide your next steps and provide more personalized advice.
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