Monday, December 16, 2013

Determining Whether Ear Cropping Is Best For Your Pet

By Jeannie Chapman


With more stringent pet laws and regulations, it is becoming increasingly difficult for pet owners to find reliable veterinarians who are able and experienced enough to perform ear cropping procedures. While it comes down to the preference of owners, there are many who become caught up in the appearance of the animal and fail to consider what its best interests are. The following takes a closer look at the pros and cons of the ear crop.

The purebreds including the likes of the doberman and the pitbull have had ears cropped for a long period of time as it was said to contribute to a better looking canine. The surgery is invasive and is only recommended to be implemented on pups that are younger than 12 weeks because of the nature of the healing processes and lengthy recovery involved. With more professionals focusing on the fact that it does not deliver medical or physical benefits, it is only applied for cosmetics.

If you source pups from a breeder, the crop should be performed once you have received the animal, but in many cases, you as the owner will have to make the difficult decision as to whether or not to trim the ears. Cropping is a surgical procedure involving the trimming of part of the ear and placing supportive inserts to maintain an erect and alert appearance. The cartilage and tissues may require support for a few weeks post procedure to provide the animal with the appropriate appeal.

Through the ages many breeds have been associated with the cropped look said to provide the animal with a more distinct and intimidating appearance. Tail docking and cropped ears are merely aesthetic and unless medical reasons are presented, there is no need to have such procedures performed. The recovery for animals is long and requires ongoing taping and care to prevent infection from developing down the line.

Many have argued the performance of such procedure is cruel as it subjects the dog to unnecessary discomfort without serving any substantial physical or environmental purpose. Animal rights organizations have been up in arms with regards to the practice because it only serves to satisfy the interests of owners and subject the young dog to pain. With a focus on such trends, there are also breeders attempting such alterations without veterinary assistance resulting in severe disfigurement and painful symptoms.

One of the benefits of shorter erect ears is the decrease in the susceptibility for infections. Although many vets would argue about such advantages, there are many pet owners who believe that improved air flow can prevent against the accumulation of moisture and bacteria in the canal. If you wish to have the procedure performed, it is important to find a reliable and reputable veterinarian.

There are different styles of cropping available including a short or longer show cut. Only experienced and skilled animal doctors should be called who are authorized to perform these types of intervention. This can prevent against the possibility of poor results in terms of shape and distress for the animal.

The procedure of ear cropping remains a debatable and common trend that is likely to continue to be performed. Veterinarians have decided not to implement such processes because it is purely cosmetic. For those who wish to have the surgery performed, research into licensed vets should be performed to prevent poor results.




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