Dog Ear Keratosis: Scaly Growths on the Ear and What They Mean

Name: Dog Ear Keratosis: Scaly Growths on the Ear and What They Mean
Creator: Dr. Zubair Khalid

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-10-03

Dog ear keratosis is a thickening of the skin's outer layer that shows up as scaly, crusty, or raised patches on the ear flap or inside the ear canal. It is not one single disease. It is a reaction pattern that can come from chronic irritation, infection, sun damage, or a cornification disorder, and some growths that look like keratosis turn out to be tumors. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Quick Answer

Keratosis means extra keratin, the protein that makes skin tough, so the surface looks thick, dry, or bark-like.
A scaly growth on a dog's ear is often benign, but it can also be an early skin cancer, so a vet should look at anything new or changing.
Chronic ear inflammation is a known trigger for abnormal tissue growth in the ear canal, including tumors [1].
Growths caused by infection and inflammation can shrink or disappear once the infection is treated, while true tumors do not [2].
Any sore that bleeds, grows fast, or fails to heal after a few weeks needs a veterinary exam.

What Dog Ear Keratosis Actually Is

Keratin is the structural protein in the outermost layer of skin. When skin cells mature normally, they form a thin, flexible surface. When that process speeds up or goes wrong, keratin builds up and the skin becomes thick, scaly, or crusty. That buildup is what veterinarians call hyperkeratosis.

On a dog's ear, this can look like a rough patch, a waxy crust, or a raised lump with a hard surface. The ear flap (pinna) and the ear canal are both common sites because they are exposed to sun, trauma, moisture, and infection.

Some of these changes are purely reactive. The skin thickens because it has been rubbed, scratched, or inflamed for weeks. Others reflect a true cornification disorder, meaning the skin's normal renewal process is disrupted at a genetic level. One recently described condition in dogs, called phloiokeratosis, produces striking multifocal lesions that look like tree bark and is linked to variants in a gene involved in how skin cells mature [3].

The word keratosis does not tell you whether a growth is harmless. It only describes what the tissue looks like. That is why a diagnosis matters.

Scaly Growths on a Dog's Ear: What Owners Notice

Owners usually spot these changes during petting or ear cleaning. Common findings include:

Dry, flaky patches on the inside or outside of the ear flap
Thickened, leathery skin that feels different from the other ear
Crusty or waxy buildup that returns after cleaning
A raised, firm bump with a rough or scaly surface
Dark, greasy debris in the canal with a bad smell
Head shaking, scratching at one ear, or rubbing the ear on furniture

Ear problems rarely stay isolated. If your dog is also scratching the face or shaking the head, see Dog Itchy Scaly Ears for a closer look at how itching and scaling connect. When scaling comes with hair loss and crusts on other parts of the body, Dog Hair Loss with Scabs: What Does It Mean? covers the broader picture.

One important clue is whether the problem is one-sided. A chronic ear problem that affects only one ear and does not respond to treatment should raise suspicion of an ear canal tumor [1].

Dog Ear Keratosis vs Keloids vs Tumors

Owners often search for "dog ear keloid" when they find a firm lump on the ear. A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue. Dogs do develop excessive scar tissue, but true keloids are uncommon in dogs compared with people. More often, a firm ear lump is one of the following:

Finding	What it feels like	Typical behavior
Keratosis or hyperkeratosis	Rough, dry, scaly surface	Stable or slowly changes with skin condition
Ceruminous gland hyperplasia	Soft to firm mass in the canal	Can shrink or vanish after infection is treated [2]
Ear hematoma	Soft, fluid-filled, like a water balloon	Appears suddenly after head shaking or scratching [4]
Benign tumor	Smooth or lobulated firm lump	Grows slowly, does not resolve with ear drops
Malignant tumor	Irregular, may ulcerate or bleed	Grows, may invade nearby tissue

Aural hematomas are worth knowing about because they are common and look alarming. They form when a small blood vessel breaks and blood collects between the skin and cartilage of the ear flap, usually after head shaking or scratching [4]. They are not keratosis, but owners sometimes confuse the two.

The harder distinction is between reactive thickening and cancer. True neoplasia in the ear is often misdiagnosed on physical exam because hyperplastic epithelial tissue and glands can look like growths along the canal [2]. Treating the underlying infection over time can change how these growths look, and some disappear entirely. Neoplastic growths do not resolve with topical ear treatment [2].

Causes and Risk Factors

Several pathways lead to scaly or raised skin on a dog's ear.

Chronic inflammation. Long-standing inflammation of the ear canal can lead to abnormal growth of skin and underlying structures, followed by tumor formation [1]. This is one of the strongest known links between a chronic ear problem and a growth.

Gland changes during infection. Thickened secretions from earwax glands during prolonged inflammation may stimulate cancerous growth [1]. Bacterial breakdown of fatty acids and other products in retained secretions from overgrown ceruminous glands during ear infections can also contribute to cancer development in the canal [2].

Yeast and bacteria. Malassezia yeasts live on normal canine skin and in the ear canal. A survey of clinically healthy Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs found Malassezia in all dogs, with different distributions between ear and skin sites and significantly higher counts in Golden Retrievers [5]. When the ear environment changes, these organisms can overgrow and drive inflammation. Severe ear infections can also involve less common organisms, including yeast species that may resist standard antifungal drugs [6].

Sun exposure. Light-colored, thin-haired ear flaps get more ultraviolet exposure, which is a known risk for skin cancer on the pinna.

Genetics. Cornification disorders can be inherited. Phloiokeratosis follows an X-chromosomal semi-dominant pattern, and affected dogs showed multifocal bark-like skin lesions with pronounced hyperkeratosis on biopsy [3].

Breed and age. Cocker Spaniels appear more likely to develop ear canal tumors [1]. Middle-aged dogs are more likely to have benign tumors, while dogs older than 11 are at higher risk of malignant tumors [1].

Skin barrier problems. Changes in ceramide, a fat that helps seal the skin barrier, are associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs [7]. A weakened barrier makes the ear more vulnerable to repeated inflammation.

How Veterinarians Diagnose These Growths

Diagnosis starts with history and a hands-on exam. Tell your vet if your dog has had ear infections before, what products you have used, and how long the growth has been there [4].

Your vet will examine both ears, the ear canal, and the skin elsewhere on the body, because many skin conditions affect the ear flap and other areas at the same time [4].

Expect some of these tests:

Otoscopy. A scope looks down the canal to see masses, discharge, or narrowing.
Cytology. A swab or tape sample is examined under a microscope for bacteria, yeast, and cell types.
Culture. Used when infection is severe, recurrent, or not responding.
Fine needle aspirate. Cells are collected from a lump with a thin needle.
Biopsy. A tissue sample gives a definitive answer on whether a growth is inflammatory, hyperplastic, or neoplastic.

Biopsy is the only way to be certain. Hyperplastic tissue and true tumors can look nearly identical on exam, and their appearance can shift as infection is treated [2].

Treatment Options

Treatment depends entirely on what the growth is.

If it is reactive or infectious. The plan focuses on the underlying ear disease. Your vet will clean the canal, treat infection with appropriate medication, and control inflammation. Growths caused by hyperplasia often improve or disappear once the infection and inflammation are controlled [2]. Never stop ear medication early just because the ear looks better.

If it is a cornification disorder. There is no simple cure for inherited keratinization problems. Management centers on skin care, moisture control, and treating secondary infections as they arise. Your vet will tailor a plan to your dog.

If it is a benign tumor. Many benign ear tumors can be monitored or removed surgically if they cause discomfort, block the canal, or keep getting infected.

If it is malignant. Surgery is usually the first option. The extent depends on the tumor type, size, and location. Some tumors need imaging to check whether they have spread. Your vet will discuss whether additional treatment is needed after surgery.

If it is a hematoma. Treatment involves draining the fluid and addressing the underlying cause of head shaking or scratching, often with surgery to prevent refilling [4].

Medication doses are always calculated by your veterinarian based on your dog's weight, the specific drug, and your dog's overall health. Do not use leftover ear drops from a previous problem or products meant for people.

Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management

Outlook varies widely. Reactive thickening that clears with infection treatment has an excellent prognosis. Benign tumors removed completely usually do not return. Malignant tumors depend on type, stage, and how completely they can be removed.

Long-term care for any dog with ear disease includes:

Checking the ears at home weekly for redness, odor, or new lumps
Keeping the ear canal dry, especially after swimming or bathing
Following your vet's cleaning schedule with a product they recommend
Returning for rechecks even when the ear looks normal
Reporting any new growth promptly

If your dog has ongoing itching that drives ear trauma, Dog Ear Itching Problem explains how to break that cycle. When itching involves the ears and face together, Dog Itching Ears And Face is a useful next read.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every skin growth, but you can lower the odds of the ones tied to chronic inflammation.

Treat ear infections fully, not just until symptoms fade.
Address allergies, because uncontrolled allergies keep the ear inflamed.
Keep ears clean and dry using a vet-approved routine.
Protect thin-haired, light-colored ear flaps from intense sun.
Schedule exams for older dogs, especially past age 11, when malignant ear tumors become more likely [1].
Ask your vet about breed-specific risks if you have a Cocker Spaniel or another predisposed breed [1].

Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

No article can tell you what a specific growth is. Only a veterinarian who examines your dog and, when needed, sends tissue for testing can do that. Individual cases need a veterinarian.

Contact a veterinarian the same day if you notice:

A growth that appeared suddenly or doubled in size over days
Bleeding, ulceration, or a sore that will not heal
Foul odor or pus from one ear
Head tilt, loss of balance, or trouble hearing
Your dog is pawing at the ear constantly or crying when it is touched

Seek emergency care now if your dog has severe swelling of the ear flap that fills within hours, a growth blocking the airway, or sudden collapse with a head tilt and vomiting.

Call your vet for a routine visit if you find a scaly patch or small lump that is not bothering your dog. Early evaluation is simple, and it rules out the serious possibilities before they become harder to treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog ear keratosis cancer?

No, keratosis itself is not cancer. It describes thickened, keratin-rich skin that can come from irritation, infection, sun damage, or a genetic cornification disorder. However, some cancers start as or mimic scaly growths, so any new or changing lesion should be checked.

Can a scaly growth on my dog's ear go away on its own?

Sometimes, yes. Growths caused by gland overgrowth during an ear infection can shrink or disappear once the infection and inflammation are controlled. Growths that are true tumors will not resolve with ear drops or cleaning, so a growth that persists needs a veterinary exam.

How do I tell a keloid from a tumor on my dog's ear?

You usually cannot tell by looking or feeling. Keloids are scar tissue overgrowths, and they are uncommon in dogs. Firm lumps on the ear can be benign tumors, malignant tumors, or scar tissue, and a biopsy is the only reliable way to know which one you are dealing with.

Does my dog need surgery for an ear growth?

Not always. Benign growths that are small and not causing problems may only need monitoring. Surgery is more likely when a growth blocks the ear canal, keeps getting infected, causes pain, or turns out to be malignant. Your vet will weigh the location and your dog's overall health.

Can I use human skin creams on my dog's ear?

No. Many human products contain ingredients that irritate the thin, hairless inner surface of a dog's ear flap, and contact dermatitis can develop within a few days of starting a new ointment. Ask your veterinarian which product is safe for your dog before applying anything.

References

Tumors of the Ear Canal in Dogs - Dog Owners. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Overview of Tumors of the Ear in Small Animals - Ear Disorders. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Phloiokeratosis is a new ichthyosiform hyperkeratotic cornification disorder in dogs with SUV39H1 variants. Scientific reports, 2026.
Disorders of the Outer Ear in Dogs - Dog Owners. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Cytological Survey of Malassezia spp. Population on the Skin and External Ear Canal of Clinically Healthy Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Veterinary sciences, 2026.
Candida parapsilosis in a case of canine otitis media. Medical mycology case reports, 2026.
Optimization of a Canine-Specific Ceramide Complex and Evaluation of Its Effects on In Vitro and In Vivo Canine Skin. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2026.