2022 Success Stories Spice

Meet Spice, a 3-year-old Pit Bull Mix. Spice's dad is the sole caretaker for his family–and that includes the pets. Spice began shaking her head a lot, and eventually one of her ears became so swollen that he could tell that Spice was uncomfortable. He decided that Spice needed to be seen at the veterinarian.  

Spice had a hematoma of the ear, which is often called an aural hematoma–a small fluid-filled bulge on the ear flap (or pinna). In most cases, only one ear is affected at a time; however, it can also happen on the other ear at a later time. The most frequent cause of hematomas on the ear are from head-shaking and scratching when a dog has an ear infection. Ear hematomas can affect any breed at any age. If you notice that your dog has evidence of a hematoma in its ear, check the ear canal closely for signs of discharge, redness and odor as this could mean that they have an ear infection.

Fur Kids Foundation encourages dog owners to treat ear hematomas as soon as possible. Hematomas that are found quickly respond well to drainage; however, when a hematoma has been left for a longer period of time, they thicken and surgery is difficult, and much more expensive. Scarring is more probable from surgery, resulting in a permanent cauliflower ear flap.

Spice’s hematoma needed to be drained, and then she had to be put on some medication to help it heal. Spice's dad will be on the lookout for "helicopter ears" and will help keep her ears stable when she's having issues with them again so that they can hopefully avoid any future hematomas.

Spice's dad applied to Fur Kids Foundation for assistance, and we were more than happy to help Spice get back to feeling better. 

No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. Read more Success Stories.

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