Rabbit ear (aural) haematoma

[moll.vernon]

Hi I’m new to this forum and I kinda wanted to hear if anyone has had this experience because I can’t find any info anywhere! My bun django developed a lump just outside the opening of his ear a couple weeks back, took him to the vet and they stuck a scalpel in it to find out what was inside, turns out it was a haematoma which is caused by a burst blood vessel (I was told the vet has never seen this in a rabbit before) rather than an abscess and I was super relieved, the vet squeezed the fluid out and hoped told me it would most likely heal normal.

Fast forward to this week and it has just got worse, the lump is massive, blocking up his ear canal and it looks very painful, returned to the vet and they opened up the hole again to drain it but cut a lot more open and basically told me I need to keep it open, I’ve had to open it about four times a day and he is on metacam but I’m so upset about having to hurt him. The vet didn’t seem very hopeful and didn’t know what to suggest, he can’t surgically drain it because it’s in such an awkward place and he said worst case he might suggest removing his ear altogether but it has a massive risk of infection!

Has anyone had a bun with a haematoma or has had to remove their ear for any reason? It would really help to hear from someone

 

[JBun]

I haven't had it happen with my rabbits but I have seen other cases of it happening in rabbits. Usually the skin of the ear needs to be sutured as draining is only a temporary measure and the hematoma usually returns. If your vet didn't try to surgically suture the skin of the inside and outside of the ear together so the hematoma wouldn't return, they should have as the first measure.

Losing an ear should be a last resort and very unusual if the ear had been properly surgically sutured. If your vet didn't try suturing the ear, it makes me think they aren't particularly knowledgeable, in which case I would suggest getting a second opinion or get a referral to a specialist like Molly Varga, John Chitty, etc. Not sure where you are in the UK, but you have several excellent specialists for rabbits there, as well as many knowledgeable rabbit vets. Also, if a vet is a member of the rwaf they can consult with their rabbit specialist, Richard Saunders, I believe.
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...abbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/

 

[Diane R]

I agree with JBun, get him to a good rabbit vet. You might find this useful: http://www.animalmedicalresearch.org/Vol.7_Issue-1_June_2017/Abu Malik.pdf