Ear Cropping Instruments

Ear cropping is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia where portions of a dog's ear flap are removed to obtain erect ears. This procedure is carried out for cosmetic purposes in specific breeds of dogs to maintain the character of the breed. Dobermans, pit bull terriers, Boxers and Great Danes are examples of breeds commonly cropped.

  1. Considerations

    • While ear cropping remains under debate for ethical reasons, it is becoming more difficult to find veterinarians willing to crop. This has resulted in breeders' cropping ears themselves, potentially exposing puppies to pain and dangerous health risks. Ear cropping should be carried out only by veterinarians using the appropriate tools and in a sterile environment. The correct age to crop ears is generally between the ages of 8 to 12 weeks old.

    Anesthesia Instruments

    • To induce general anesthesia prior to the ear cropping procedure, veterinarians need a variety of instruments. An intravenous catheter is used to deliver fluids and other drugs as needed. An endo-tracheal tube is inserted into the puppy's windpipe and attached to the anesthesia machine. Pre-anesthetic sedatives may be used to lessen the amount of general anesthetic or to calm a nervous dog. Anesthetic drugs may be delivered by injection or by inhalation.

    Cropping Instruments

    • Cropping instruments are needed to perform a good crop.

      Ear cropping requires a few instruments to the cut through the tissue and nerves precisely and reduce the risk of complications. Ear cropping clamps are often used as a template for cropping the ears in the correct shape. A scalpel is used to cut through the tissues of the puppy's ear flaps. Other instruments include forceps for grasping, surgical suture to hold tissue together, and bandages, tape and gauze to protect and position the ears after surgery. An ''ear rack'' helps stabilize the ears.

    Recovery

    • To prevent the dog from scratching its ears, it is sent home wearing an Elizabethan collar. Pain medication may be provided as well to control any pain or swelling. Once a dog with cropped ears is sent home, the owner should monitor the ears each day for signs of infection, provide pain management and isolate the puppy from other dogs. Follow-up care includes having the stitches removed and having weekly ear tapings and postings.