Successful surgical management of aural hematoma with the application of polycaprolactone splint in 7 dogs and 3 cats.

Abstract

Objective: To report cases of aural hematoma (AH) in 7 dogs and 3 cats treated with polycaprolactone (PCL) splint application.

Animals: 7 dogs and 3 cats.

Clinical presentation: 4 dogs and 2 cats presented with generalized AH, whereas 3 dogs and 1 cat presented with localized AH. All cases were investigated between December 2022 and June 2024. The hematoma area was measured to allow appropriate sizing of the PCL splint material. The surgery involved aspirating the hematoma and applying PCL splints to the auricle with sutures.

Results: The mean time of PCL splint application was 16.3 ± 4.6 days for all animals. Clinical signs were resolved in 5 dogs and 3 cats (8 of 10 AHs [80%]). Complications occurred in 3 cases. Two dogs (2 of 10 AHs [20%]) experienced recurrence at 7 and 10 days, which was suspected to be associated with the premature removal of the PCL splints; new PCL splints were applied to these dogs, and no recurrence of AH was observed upon their removal at 21 and 23 days. One dog exhibited localized wrinkling of the auricle. There were no other cases of recurrent AH during the long-term follow-up period of > 6 months.

Clinical relevance: The PCL splint application is safe and efficacious for treating AH in dogs and cats, whether localized or generalized, initial or recurrent. This simple surgical procedure minimizes iatrogenic skin trauma, and this approach may represent a valid alternative to other available treatments.