There are many different causes of ear lumps in dogs. Lumps can affect the flap of the ear or the inner ear canal. Ear tumours are uncommon in dogs and can be benign or malignant, though benign causes are much more common. Growths in the ear canal may be difficult to treat or require attention from a specialist. 

Ear lumps can develop from any part of the ear, such as the skin, the glands that produce oil and wax, and the underlying tissues. It’s thought that chronic inflammation of the ear can put dogs at risk of growths in the canal. Any age of dog can be affected, though ear canal growths tend to be more common in middle-aged to older dogs.

 

What to do

What to do if your dog has an ear lump

If your dog develops a swelling or new lump on their ear, it’s best to speak to a vet as soon as possible. Ear lumps can cause pain and lead to self-trauma.

In the meantime:

• Try to prevent your dog from rubbing and scratching the ear.
• Monitor the size and shape of the lump daily.
• If it’s safe to do so, look inside the ear to check for any discharge, redness or growths.

Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day; call us now if you have any concerns.

 

Causes

The most common causes of ear lumps in dogs

Lumps on the ear flap or pinna

• Aural haematoma
• Histiocytoma
• Ticks
• Abscesses
• Scabs from autoimmune disorders, insect bites, nutrient deficiencies or allergies
• Mast cell tumour

 

Lumps inside the ear canal

• Benign growths from the glands: ceruminous (wax) or sebaceous (oil) gland adenoma
• Polyp
• Foreign body, such as grass seeds
• Papilloma
• Adenocarcinomas

 

When to worry

When to worry about ear lumps in dogs

An emergency appointment is recommended if your dog:

• Develops a head tilt or problems with coordination
• Is in severe pain with their ear problem
• Develops an ear lump that is growing quickly

 

A physical examination will be needed if your dog:

• Develops a growth or swelling on their ear
• Is constantly shaking their head
• Develops any pus or blood in the ear canal

Our Joii vets are available for advice 24 hours a day. Call us now if you have any concerns.

 

Prevention

Tips on how to prevent ear lumps in dogs

While ear lumps are not always preventable, there are some ways to help reduce the risk.

• Aural haematomas are caused by frequent head-shaking. Treating ear infections or irritations quickly and appropriately can help prevent them from forming.
• Keeping your dog up to date with parasite preventatives can prevent ear mites, mange and ticks.
• Making sure your dog is fed a balanced diet appropriate for their age and lifestyle can prevent nutrient deficiencies. Special diets are available for dogs with allergies, such as Hills Prescription Diet Derm Complete.
• Long-term inflammation in the ear canal may lead to growths. Managing ear infections and underlying allergies appropriately can reduce this.

 

Diagnosis

How do you know if your dog has an ear lump?

Lumps may be obvious to see on the ear flap or just inside the ear canal. But some can be deep in the ear canal and may not be visible without a special instrument. Benign growths may appear as small bumps that don’t tend to grow. Malignant tumours can grow quickly, rupture, and bleed, causing severe pain.

Common signs associated with ear lumps include:

• Frequent head-shaking
• Scratching or rubbing the ears
• Build up of discharge (wax, pus or blood)
• Red, inflamed ear canals
• Smelly ears

 

Ear canal tumours tend to only affect one ear, whereas infections, nutrient and auto-immune disorders tend to affect both. Noticing these signs only in one ear may indicate there is a growth in the ear canal.

 

Home treatment

How to help at home if your dog has an ear lump

Most cases of ear lumps will need immediate veterinary attention. Depending on the cause, it may be recommended to:

• Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a vet-recommended product.
• Check your dog’s ears regularly for any abnormalities, such as pus or blood discharge.
• Make sure to give any prescribed medication as advised by your vet. If you are struggling, let them know, as there may be alternatives.

 

Vet treatment

Vet treatment for ear lumps in dogs

Diagnosis and treatment of certain ear lumps can be tricky. External lumps and swellings are easier to manage, whereas growths in the canal are more difficult.

Diagnosis may involve:

• A thorough examination of the ear canal under anaesthesia
• FNA or biopsy of lumps
• CT or MRI scan of head and neck for malignant tumours
• Staging (checking for spread) may be required for malignant tumours. This can involve blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds

Treatment may involve:

• Drainage of abscess or haematoma
• Surgical removal of lumps: this can be extensive for deep or malignant growths
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Medication: pain relief, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories

 

Risk

Are some dogs more at risk of ear lumps than others?

• Breeds: Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds are more at risk of ear canal tumours. This may be due to the occurrence of chronic ear inflammation in these breeds.
• Age: Malignant growths are more common in dogs over 11 years old.
• Chronic inflammation of the ear canal can put dogs at risk of growths developing in this area. Therefore, dogs with chronic ear infections and underlying allergies may be more at risk of ear canal tumours.