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Ear Cropping & Tail Docking
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Ear Cropping
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 Ear
cropping is performed on some breeds of dogs for cosmetic purposes only. Boxers,
Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Pinschers, Schnauzers, Bouviers des
Flandres, and American Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terriers are among the more
common breeds in which ear cropping is performed. We recommend that this surgery
is done when your dog is 8 -14 weeks old. The procedure requires full
anesthesia.
Pre-surgical and pre-anesthetic testing are performed to
check general health. Vaccines must be up to date prior to surgery.
Procedure
Here is a brief description of the procedure...
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Pre-anesthetic sedatives, pain medications, and preventive antibiotics
are administered.
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Hair clipping and surgical prep of the ear flaps.
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Surgical scrubbing for a sterile technique.
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Careful measuring and drawing the cropped ear.
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Trimming the ear flaps.
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Careful suturing to avoid crushing or unnecessary inflammation
to the underlying cartilage.
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After surgery...
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Careful monitoring is done until the patient had recovered
and is fully awake.
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Post-op topical and systemic medication and antibiotics
to minimize itching, pain, inflammation, and infection until the ear edges
are well healed are administered.
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Suture removal is done in about 10 - 12 days.
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Once the ear edges are healed, occasionally some combination
of forms, glue, and bandages to "train" the ears are necessary.
Most dogs tolerate all this well and continue to eat and play
and adore their owners. Most heal quickly without side effects or problems.
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Tail Cropping
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Docking of tails is a common procedure for certain breeds
of dogs like the Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Poodle, Boxer, Corgi, Miniature
Pinscher, Toy Fox Terrier (and other terrier breeds), and Schnauzer, Other breeds
also may have the procedure. It is best to do this before the puppy is 2 -
3 days old to avoid the use of anesthetic. However if this was not done for
your puppy, general anesthesia will be necessary. The length can be
discussed with the surgeon prior to the procedure.
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