A Journey in Learning: My First Surgical Aural Hematoma Correction
Embracing the “Practice” of Veterinary Medicine
As a new graduate veterinarian, each case I see has become a valuable opportunity for growth. With every patient I treat, I find myself building upon the foundational knowledge I gained in veterinary school. Early in my career, I was reminded of an important mindset by one of my veterinary school clinicians. He explained that it’s called “practicing veterinary medicine” because we are always learning and adapting — always “practicing.” That perspective has stuck with me, offering me grace and patience as I encounter new cases and challenges. Each case is a chance to sharpen my skills, develop my confidence, and learn how to provide the best care with the tools available.
Aural Hematoma Case
One case that stands out as a milestone in my learning journey was a collaboration with my mentor, Dr. Andrew Heller. Together, we successfully surgically corrected a recurring aural hematoma in a sweet canine patient. This dog’s condition had previously been managed medically with steroids, but when the hematoma returned, the owners decided it was time to pursue a more definitive surgical solution. I had never performed this type of surgery before, and initially, I felt some nerves creeping in. However, with Dr. Heller’s guidance, I gained the tools and confidence to navigate the procedure successfully.
Developing the Surgical Plan
To prepare for the surgery, Dr. Heller and I took time to review various textbook techniques for correcting aural hematomas. We weighed the pros and cons of each method to determine which approach would work best for our patient. It was a great reminder that medicine is not one-size-fits-all and that collaboration can lead to better outcomes. After finalizing our surgical plan, we had a detailed discussion with the owners. We made sure to set clear expectations about the procedure, including anesthesia, the healing process, and possible risks. They were receptive to our approach and approved the procedure, which we were able to schedule for the same day.
Managing the Procedure
Under Dr. Heller’s supervision, I managed the case from start to finish, handling everything from sedation to post-operative care. We began by sedating our patient using a combination of dexmedetomidine and butorphanol. I chose this protocol because it was familiar to me from veterinary school and well-suited to our otherwise healthy patient. Additionally, I locally blocked the pinna with lidocaine. Both Dr. Heller and I had been taught the value of local anesthesia in reducing overall anesthetic needs and improving pain control, so it was a natural addition to our plan.
The Surgical Process
Once sedation was adequate, our skilled technicians prepped the ear aseptically. Then it was time to cut! As I made the cut over the hematoma, I was met with a moment that can only be described as “veterinary medicine meets Dr. Pimple Popper.” The hematoma burst with a release of fluid, and I quickly flushed the capsule to clear out any remaining fibrinous material. Afterward, I placed multiple mattress sutures to secure the ear and prevent fluid from refilling the pocket. The sutures were spaced carefully to ensure the ear would heal with minimal deformities. To provide additional support and pressure, we applied a “No Flap Ear Wrap,” which stabilized the ear for healing.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Our patient recovered smoothly from anesthesia, and we sent her home with aftercare instructions for the owners.We emphasized theimportance of keeping the ear clean and monitoring for signs of swelling or discomfort. It was a great relief to see how well she handled the procedure and recovery.
A Rewarding Follow-Up
One challenge of working as a relief veterinarian is that you don’t always get the opportunity to follow up on your cases. However, one of the unique advantages of being an IndeVet is that we often return to the same clinics, building strong relationships with both the staff and the patients. Fortunately, I was able to follow up on the patient’s care with one of the full-time doctors at the practice. Learning about her progress was one of the most rewarding moments in my career so far — her ear was healing beautifully, and her owners were thrilled with the results.
The Value of Mentorship & Gaining Confidence
This experience highlighted the importance of mentorship in the early stages of a veterinary career. Dr. Heller not only guided me through the procedure but also took the time to teach me various surgical techniques, offer practical tips, and trust me to take the lead when I was ready. His mentorship helped me approach anesthesia and surgery with greater confidence, knowing that preparation, teamwork, and adaptability are key components of success.
Anesthesia and surgery can be intimidating, especially for new veterinarians, but with the right support and resources, these challenges are highly manageable in a general practice setting. This case gave me a new skill set to add to my growing toolbox, and I feel more prepared to help other patients with similar conditions in the future.
Looking Forward to New “Firsts”
As I continue my journey as a veterinarian, I know there will be many more “firsts” ahead. However, I am excited for each one because they represent opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow. With mentors like Dr. Heller and the supportive environment at IndeVets, I am developing into the veterinarian I aspired to be — one case at a time.