Dogs that are afflicted with ear mites will typically scratch at the ears excessively and shake their heads, even pulling out their own hair as they scratch. Some dogs will shake their heads so much that an hematoma of the ear will form (with blood pooling in the ear due to breakage of a blood vessel). Also a concern is when dogs will scratch at their ears to the point that damage is done to the ear canals or ear drums.
The hypertrophic scar is defined as a widened or unsightly scar that does not extend beyond the original boundaries of the wound. Unlike keloids, the hypertrophic scar reaches a certain size and subsequently stabilizes or regresses.
The term hypertrophy means enlargement. Hypertrophic change in muscles is a positive adaptation to athletic training. Hypertrophic arthritic changes in the lumbar spine are also adaptive, but are not viewed in such a positive light. These changes are often associated with reduced mobility, pain and stiffness.