Hi,
We recently took our golden retriever, Sadie, to the vet with an ear hematoma. $400.00 later, we took her home with a drain in her ear and lots prescriptions. They removed the drain three weeks later, but of course with the ear hadn't healed where the drain had been and the ear filled up with fluid immediately. I took her back in and the vet put a new drain in (with no deadening- he even put one stitch in with out it), but she scratched it out two days later. Now, he says just milk it. Well, it heals over very quickly so I have to break open the wound several times a day to do that. It's very painful for her and she's starting to cower when she sees me coming. :( Here are my questions:
1. Is there any way to keep the opening open so I don't have to keep breaking back into it?
2. Is there an easier way to have this heal up?
3. What would happen if we just let it go at this point? Would it stay small (about the size of my pinkie) and eventually absorb back into her system? Or would it fill the entire ear again? Is it okay to let it heal on it's own?

Thank you all you dog experts! I appreciate all your advice!

I am not a dog expert here, hopefully Labman or another more-wise doggy all-knower will come along and help you.

I did find this other thread relating to your question. Looks like someone else had the same thing. Not much is said, but it may be something to look into. Have you asked your vet for options?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/c...oma-20408.html

Fortunately I haven't been through anything like that. You might check another vet.

Yes, any time I'm ot satisfied with a vet, I get a second opinion... I am lucky enough to have a vet who tells me up front when he wants me to go to a specialist

-Beth