Now, knowing of only two cases of a rat ear hematoma, we re publishing this short article to make it easier for rat owners to diagnose this problem and know to seek veterinary help for the surgery necessary to repair the ear. This article is not meant to offer any definitive information regarding this condition, since there is none to be found in reference to rats in any of the veterinary books that I have available. However, I have included information from The Merck Veterinary Manual that may be of some importance. The condition is most common in dogs with long, floppy ears. It has also been proposed that this condition results from an autoimmune disease of the outer ear tissues, rather than from trauma.
Treatment is surgical to allow drainage and debridement.
Underlying causes of otic discomfort, such as parasites or hypersensitivity diseases, should be identified and treated to prevent recurrence.