darned hematoma - an update

Dakota went back to Dr. Miyahira this morning to have his hematoma lanced again.  We went in on 1/12 and it JUST refilled since Monday.  Not sure what caused it to refill after all that time.  While I was there, I discussed options with the doctor about applying pressure to it so it could clot.  He recommended a product made of neoprene that would essentially tie his ears down.  Being a Corgi, I just don't have the heart to do that to him.  His ears make him who he is :)  So I came home and did some thinking.....

I decided to cut a toilet paper roll, cut a panty liner and employ some athletic tape.  I lined the front and the back of his ear with the panty liner (which I happen to have handy thanks to Sedona) and placed the cut toilet paper roll inside his ear.  I then took the athletic tape and wrapped it around, applying some pressure to the roll as I taped. 

I'll leave it on there for a few days in hopes that the little bit of pressure helps it to clot this time.  The doctor really wants to avoid surgery, but at this point, we're starting to add up costs.  If I have to go in for another lancing, I'm seriously going to have to consider surgery.  Since the hematoma isn't as bad as the other ear was, it shouldn't be as severe.  I just hope we don't have to cross that bridge. 

Ko is an absolute trooper.  He's been running and chasing the other dogs and playing like always - despite this THING on his ear.  Have I mentioned what an awesome dog he is??  :)  He'd be an even better dog if he'd stop all of this hematoma nonsense ;-)