Cropping a dog's ears refers to the surgical reshaping of the earflap to create an erect ear out of a naturally hanging one. This process is regularly performed on many different breeds of dogs, including dobermans, great Danes, boxers and schnauzers in the United States. Cropping has been banned in many countries--including the United Kingdom, Canada and Sweden--because it has been deemed cruel.
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Surgery
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In cropping, the surgical procedure to shape the ears is only the beginning of the process. Approximately 24 hours after surgery, the dog will need to have his ears taped to "train" the ears to stand erect on their own. This process can be achieved by employing several taping techniques, but the desired result is the same--independently standing, well-shaped ears.
Tools of the Trade
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Taping a dog's ears requires a few implements of the trade, and a vast amount of knowledge and skill to produce the desired end result. Incorrectly taped ears will result in ears that do not stand, ears that stand awkwardly or infection. Common items used in taping dogs' ears are: veterinary-grade glue, porous medical tape, paper towels and a splinting material for shaping. Ideally, the ears should be splinted into an erect position using the least amount of splinting and taping material in encourage the healing of the edges of the ears as well as strengthening of the cartilage in the earflaps themselves.
The splints should equal the length of the dog's ear to provide the maximum amount of support and should include padding to keep the dog comfortable, which will discourage excessive head-shaking and scratching. This will accelerate the healing process and keep infections at bay. Antibiotic ointment can be used on the raw edges of the ears, especially before the sutures are removed to also inhibit bacterial growth.
The initial taping should be left in place for seven to 10 days, as this is the crucial time period for ear training. After taking down the ears, some breeders and vets like to let the ears rest for a day or so before retaping to ensure that moisture doesn't begin to collect in the ear canal and start an infection. Taping should continue until the ears begin to stand on their own. Some breeders feel as though dogs should have their ears taped for up to six or seven months, though others believe that if the ears are going to stand, they will do so after six weeks.
Controversy
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Many countries around the world have banned the practice of cropping the ears of dogs. Many veterinarians agree that there is no appreciable health benefit for cropping a dog's ears and that the practice is cruel and unduly painful to the dog. Veterinarians such as Dr. Eric Barchas have refused to learn the procedures necessary to perform the surgery. Barchas is quoted as saying on dogster.com, "Ear cropping and tail docking are painful. The procedures may lead to infections, disfigurement and other complications. My decision not to perform these surgeries was straightforward. ... A growing number of vets (including me) advocate a different solution. Change the breed standards. Eliminate cosmetic surgeries in animals. I predict that we will prevail."
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