Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/21/2008

Question
I have a 4 year old black lab and we just noticed that his left ear i puffy, like a water pocket. My son said that he was scratching his ear last night and wining. What do you think it might be? Please Help

Answer
This is an aural hemoatoma and it needs to be repaired surgically before it starts to heal.  When these heal, they often deform the ear.  The dog is shaking its head probably because of an ear infection, so it is important for the vet to identify and treat that as well.