Evaluation of a technique using the carbon dioxide laser for the treatment of aural hematomas.

A new technique using the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for the treatment of aural hematomas is described. The laser is used to make an incision into the hematoma to allow for evacuation of the blood, and then multiple, small incisions are made over the surface of the hematoma to stimulate adhesions between the tissue layers. The CO2 laser was used in this fashion to treat 10 aural hematomas in eight dogs.