Auricular chondritis is inflammation of the cartilage inside the ear flap. A 2025 review of feline immune-mediated skin disease describes it as a rare condition in which the ear cartilage becomes inflamed and is slowly destroyed [1]. It is thought to be immune-mediated, which means the body’s own immune system attacks the tissue [1].
It is uncommon. The review calls it rare in cats [1], and the reports in dogs that we found each describe a single dog [4][5].
If your pet’s ear flaps are red, thick, painful or changing shape, see your vet.
Signs of auricular chondritis
- Ear flap changes: the review shows ear flaps that are very red, thickened, crusted and swollen, which over time scar and lose their shape [1]. The ear flap is also called the pinna.
- Both ears: in the cases reviewed by Gerber and colleagues, every affected cat had ear involvement [2], and the cat and dog case reports describe changes in both ears [3][5]. The term relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is sometimes used when cartilage in several parts of the body is affected [1].
- Curling: one cat developed thick, slightly curled ear flaps that were very red and sore [3].
- Pain: in one dog, severe pain was the main reason for the visit, and the authors suggest pain may be a leading sign [4].
- Other parts of the body: now and then, cartilage elsewhere is affected as well. Single cat reports describe changes in the ribs, airway and joints, or in the eyes and heart, though in some of these cases it was not certain the same disease was the cause [1][2][3].
Which pets get it
Most of what is known comes from cats [1][2]. Affected cats have ranged from 1.5 to 14.5 years old, but most are young to middle-aged, and no sex or breed link has been found [1][2].
The cause is not fully understood. The immune attack seems to target a type of collagen found only in cartilage, and long-lasting ear infection or injury to the cartilage may play a part [1]. In dogs, both the cause and the best treatment are still unclear [4].
How it differs from an aural hematoma
Both can make the ear flap swell, but they are different problems. An aural hematoma is a swelling of the ear flap, usually on the inner side, that fills with blood-tinged fluid [6]. It is often linked to head shaking or ear scratching [6]. Auricular chondritis is inflammation of the cartilage itself [1], and it usually affects both ears [2][3]. Vets also consider other causes of misshapen ears, such as an old hematoma that has scarred, ear mites, sun damage and frostbite [1]. A biopsy, a small sample of the ear (including the cartilage) checked under a microscope, can help confirm it [1][3]. For the more common swelling, see aural hematoma in dogs and cats.
How vets treat it
Not every pet needs treatment. Some cats have improved on their own, without any treatment [1][2]. In the dog reports, the pain settled with medicine prescribed by the vet [4][5].
How well medicine works varies from case to case, and the signs may come back when treatment stops [1]. In one cat, surgery to remove the ear flap solved the problem [1]. Your vet chooses the treatment that suits your pet.
Because so few cases have been published and some get better without help, it is hard to say how much treatment changes the course of the disease [1][2].
At home, as directed by a vet:
- give all medicines exactly as prescribed, and do not stop them on your own;
- handle the ears gently, since they can be painful;
- stop your pet from scratching the ears in the way your vet advises;
- tell your vet about any limping, eye changes, breathing changes or tiredness;
- go back for every recheck.
Outlook
Outcomes vary between reports:
- The 2025 review says the cartilage is expected to stay misshapen whether or not the pet is treated [1].
- Some cats got better without treatment [1][2].
- One cat stayed well and free of pain, with only mildly thick, curled ear flaps left over [3].
- One dog was left with misshapen ear flaps and ear canals even after the pain and sores cleared [5].
These are statements about a small number of animals in particular reports. They do not prove that a treatment caused an outcome, and they cannot predict how one pet will do. Your vet can explain what this means for your pet.
When to see your vet
See your vet if your dog or cat has:
- red, swollen or thickened ear flaps [1][3];
- ears that hurt when touched [3][4];
- ear flaps that curl or change shape [1][3];
- ear changes together with limping, eye problems or a pet that seems unwell [1][2].
See your vet again if the pain comes back or new signs appear elsewhere in the body.
FAQ
What is auricular chondritis?
It is inflammation of the cartilage in the ear flap, thought to be caused by the immune system [1].
Is it the same as an ear hematoma?
No. A hematoma is a fluid-filled swelling of the ear flap [6]. Chondritis is inflammation of the cartilage, usually in both ears [1][2]. See aural hematoma in dogs and cats.
Will my pet’s ears go back to normal?
It varies, and no one can promise it. See the Outlook section above.
Does every pet need treatment?
No. Some cats have improved without treatment [1][2]. Your vet will decide.
The bottom line
Auricular chondritis is a rare inflammation of the ear cartilage, reported more often in cats than in dogs. The ear flaps, usually both, become red, swollen, painful and misshapen, and other parts of the body can be involved. A biopsy can help confirm it. Some pets need no treatment and others need medicine, and the ears may stay misshapen either way. See your vet if your pet’s ears change shape or hurt.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your pet’s ear flaps are painful or changing shape, see your vet.
Sources
- Banovic F, Gomes P, Trainor K. Feline immune-mediated skin disorders: Part 2. J Feline Med Surg. 2025;27(4):1098612X251323424. Open access, CC BY-NC 4.0. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12033568/
- Gerber B, Crottaz M, von Tscharner C, Schärer V. Feline relapsing polychondritis: two cases and a review of the literature. J Feline Med Surg. 2002;4(4):189-94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12468311/
- Delmage DA, Kelly DF. Auricular chondritis in a cat. J Small Anim Pract. 2001;42(10):499-501. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11688526/
- Noxon JO, Berger DJ, Ackermann MA, Petersen JR, Smith JD. Diagnosis and clinical management of auricular chondritis in a dog presenting for evaluation of severe pain. Vet Dermatol. 2021;32(2):200-e51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33124750/
- De Lucia M, Mendes C, Bertolini G. Bilateral pyogranulomatous otitis externa with putative cartilage destruction in a dog: A severe case of auricular chondritis? Vet Dermatol. 2024;35(4):432-436. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38695235/
- O’Neill DG, Lee YH, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Pegram C, Halfacree Z. Reporting the epidemiology of aural haematoma in dogs and proposing a novel aetiopathogenetic pathway. Sci Rep. 2021;11:21670. Open access, CC BY 4.0. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8578590/