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Cauliflower ear is a deformity caused by a head injury that leads to a collection of blood between the ear cartilage and skin. If left untreated, it can result in a shriveled and lumpy appearance resembling a cauliflower. Treatment involves draining the fluid and stitching the layers of the ear together to prevent further collection. It can affect any animal with ears, including cats and dogs with ear mites.
A cauliflower ear is a type of deformity common among boxers and other athletes who play strenuous sports. It is the result of a head injury that leads to a perichondrial hematoma, a medical term for a collection of blood between the ear cartilage and the skin. This is also called auris hematoma, because it is located on the ear or auris. If left untreated, these hematomas can result in cauliflower ear.
The term comes from the appearance of a cauliflower ear. The cartilage tends to shrivel up and fold back on itself, creating clusters and lumps that resemble the head of a cauliflower. Often, the ear will also be pale due to the limited blood supply, making the resemblance all the more noticeable. In individuals with severe cases, the ear may be so twisted and swollen that it almost completely blocks the ear canal.
The hematomas that cause cauliflower ear take the form of collections of fluid that can’t drain from the ear. They usually start out as small, hard lumps and slowly turn into large sacs of fluid that are soft and painful to the touch. Eventually, the hematoma usually dissipates. However, before this happens, the skin cut off from the nutrient supply provided by the cartilage will die. The skin shrinks and shrivels up because it doesn’t get enough blood, and once a cauliflower ear forms, it’s very difficult to reverse.
There are treatments for bruises that lead to cauliflower ear. Since the ear is prone to infections, it is also important to treat these hematomas whether or not you bother with ear cosmetics. A doctor will puncture the hematoma, draining the fluid from it, and stitch the layers of the ears together at a mattress stitch to ensure the skin is firmly attached to the cartilage. The stitching also prevents fluid from collecting again, although a doctor may also place a small drain for the fluid. Finally, the patient is given antibiotics to prevent infection.
Any animal with ears can get a cauliflower ear. They are common among cats and dogs, especially those with ear mites. Ear mites cause an animal to bite or scratch the ear and also repeatedly shake its head. This trauma can cause a hematoma. Just as with humans, a hematoma in a pet should be treated to prevent infection and disfigured ears.
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