PROFESSIONAL EAR CROP SURGERY BY DR. JOHN C. HARROFF, D.V.M.

Ear Crop Procedures and Corrective Ear Surgeries

Several breeds of dogs routinely have cropped ears. The most common of these are the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Boxer, Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher, Pit Bull Dogs, Cane Corso, and Presa Canario. Although most people have their dog’s ears cropped for cosmetic reasons, cropped ears that stand erect are less likely to develop infections due to improved air circulation.

Owners of potential surgery candidates should be aware that not all cropped ears stand erect. Often corrective surgery can be successfully performed on non-standing cropped ears. The three factors that contribute to the ear’s ability to stand are genetic predisposition (did the parent’s ears stand), after-care (training period), and the size and shape of the cropped ear. Because of so many variables, no guarantee can be given that cropped ears will stand. However, in the majority of cases, if the client diligently follows after-care instructions, most ears will stand erect.

Learn More About Surgery and After Care Below

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Surgery Procedure

Although Dr. Harroff has performed ear surgery on dogs of all ages, an ideal time for the procedure is between 10 and 12 weeks of age. This procedure is considered to be major surgery which takes over an hour to complete. During this time, the patient is completely asleep under general anesthesia and monitored for heart-rate and oxygen levels with state-of-the-art medical equipment. All patients stay overnight and are discharged the next day.

Patients scheduled for surgery should have no food after 8:00 p.m. on the night prior to surgery. Water can be available at all times. Patients should arrive at the hospital between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m.on the morning of the surgery.

If you are considering having your dog’s ears cropped and have any questions, please contact Cabarrus Animal Hospital to schedule your surgery.

After Care

Since only rarely do ears stand immediately after sugery, owners must be committed to working with the ears for several weeks and possibly months after the surgery is complete. Immediately following surgery, the ears are taped to a box which sits on the head. This allows the incision area to be exposed to air.

Ten days later, the sutures are removed and the box is kept on the head for approximately one more week until the edges of the ear are completely healed. After the box is removed, foam rubber strips are used to keep the ears standing erect until they can stand on their own. A nominal fee is charged for each ear-taping procedure.

If one or both ears fail to stand erect, surgery in many instances can correct this problem. Each case must be evaluated by Dr. Harroff on an individual basis.

Contact Dr. Harroff

SCHEDULE YOUR SURGERY TODAY AT (704) 786-6102