(426) A haematoma is a pocket of blood beneath the skin. They are often seen in the growing period and the most common site is the ear, where large swellings may develop following fighting or trauma. In most cases these will resolve over two to three weeks once the blood has formed a clot and the serum is reabsorbed. The clot is then slowly removed. Large haematomas on the ears cause considerable discomfort and in such cases the pig should be suitably restrained and a needle entered into the swelling. The removed fluid shows if the blood has clotted. In the growing pig it may be advisable to lance the ear at the tip leaving a 20mm open incision to allow drainage.
