Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of aural hematomas in horses: 7 cases (2008-2019).

This research investigates the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of aural hematomas in horses, based on seven cases treated between 2008 and 2019. After gathering data from medical records and follow-up communications with owners or veterinarians, the study concludes that equine aural hematoma is a rare condition that can be successfully treated with techniques commonly used in small animal practice, such as drainage and compressive sutures. However, the study observes likely permanent cosmetic changes resulting from secondary fibrosis.

Case Selection and Methods Used

• In this study, seven horses treated for one or two aural hematomas (eight ears in total) at a veterinary teaching hospital from 2008 to 2019 were selected.
• Data was collected from the horses’ medical records, including pertinent historical information, clinical signs, diagnostic procedures undertaken, and the treatments provided.
• The outcome of each case was determined through the documentation in the medical records or through follow-up communication with the horse’s owner or the referring veterinarians.

Clinical Features and Diagnosis

• Three horses were presented after recurrence of aural hematoma following treatment by the referring veterinarian.
• Four horses had a history of allergic skin disease prior to the development of the aural hematoma.
• Most cases (six out of seven horses) were unilaterally affected meaning the condition impacted only one ear.
• In terms of diagnostic assessments, otoscopic evaluations, ultrasonography, cytologic examinations of ear canal swab samples, and histologic examinations of a pinnal biopsy specimen were performed.”

Treatment and Outcomes

• Out of the eight affected pinnae (outer parts of the horse’s ears), two were treated by nonsurgical needle drainage (one with concurrent corticosteroid injection) while the other six underwent surgical incisions and placement of compressive sutures for treatment.
• Follow-up information was available for six horses and all of them resulted in fibrotic (scarred or damaged) pinnae. Four of these horses had a permanent drooping of the pinna as well.
• One horse developed a hematoma in the opposite pinna one year after discharge from the hospital.

Conclusions

• The research concludes that equine aural hematoma is a rare condition which typically requires drainage as a treatment method.
• The techniques normally used in small animal practice, such as needle drainage or surgical incision with compressive sutures, can also be successfully applied to horses with this condition.
• However, it is important to note that permanent changes in the appearance of the pinna, such as fibrosis or drooping, are likely to result after treatment of the aural hematoma.