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How much does ear hematoma surgery for dogs cost?
An aural hematoma — a blood pocket inside the ear flap, usually from head-shaking — is drained and stitched flat in a short operation. CareCredit publishes the national average cost of dog hematoma surgery at $535–$1,230, depending on where you live, the size of the dog, and the size and severity of the hematoma; where insurance covered the surgery, CareCredit puts the average treated cost at $546. Posted clinic prices collected by ThePricer show the spread underneath that average.
| Ear hematoma surgery — published figures | Figure |
|---|---|
| National average range (CareCredit) | $535–$1,230 |
| Average cost where insurance covered it (CareCredit) | $546 |
| Posted price, lower-cost surgical practice (ThePricer) | from about $690 |
| Posted price, higher-cost Austin practice, one ear (ThePricer) | $1,160–$1,340 |
| Posted price, both ears, same anesthetic (ThePricer) | $1,509–$1,804 |
What drives the price
Dog size is priced directly into this operation — bigger dogs need more anesthesia and medication. Severity matters (a large hematoma needs a more extensive repair), as does the technique: ThePricer notes some clinics use CO2 laser rather than a scalpel, at a higher price. The second half of the bill is the cause: the vet also has to find and treat whatever made the dog shake its head — an ear infection, allergy, parasite or foreign body — and that workup and treatment are charged on top of the ear repair itself. Pre-anesthesia blood work, where required, is a further add-on (compare the bloodwork cost guide).
Smaller hematomas are sometimes managed without surgery — by drainage, medication, or monitoring — and which approach fits is a veterinary decision. Untreated, the ear flap typically heals wrinkled (“cauliflower ear”). This page prices the surgery; it does not recommend it for a particular dog.
Recurring ear trouble often traces back to allergies — see what allergy testing costs.
Read the allergy testing cost guideSources: CareCredit / Synchrony — Dog Ear Hematoma Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide · ThePricer — How Much Does Dog Ear Hematoma Surgery Cost? (updated September 2026). Researched October 2026 — prices change; confirm with your clinic.