To Crop or Not to Crop...
I have decided to add this page
to my website due to the many question I have been
receiving by new owners or potential new owners about ear cropping.
Every breed has different
things that makes them unique. For most, when they think of
Boxers, it is their beautiful build, exuberance, and cropped ears that come to
mind.
The decision to crop or not to crop your puppies ears is a personal one. It should be
your preference, because it is your puppy. No one can make that decision for
you. I can
only tell you a few things that I have learned from my past experiences.
NOTE: Cropped ears are easier to clean and are less likely to
develop ear infections, with proper care.
NOTE: The cost for an ear cropping can range from $150 to
$500.
NOTE: The age
your puppy should be at the time of the
procedure ranges, and you should consult your
veterinarian. I prefer to crop my puppies ears at 12 to 14
weeks. They are heavier in body weight and can better
withstand the anesthetic.
NOTE: If you
decide to crop your puppies ears...look long and
hard for a reputable veterinarian who is surgically skilled
in the art of ear cropping.
NOTE:
Individual dogs, like people have different levels of pain
tolerance. In general, Boxers are very pain tolerant and
most puppies returning home from an ear crop will be
eating normally and playing just as they did before
surgery within hours of the procedure. Although the ears
are decidedly uncomfortable if touched excessively or
bumped, this discomfort usually subsides within a few
days of surgery. The skill and experience of the surgeon
also have an effect on the discomfort level after the
procedure.
NOTE:
Your puppy will be given a intravenous drug, which
initiates the anesthesia so that it's airway can be secured
with a endotrachel tube. The intravenous drug wears off
fast, so your puppy will be placed on maintenance gas
anesthesia
with oxygen supplementation.
NOTE: Ok...So, now
your puppies ears are cropped. Now comes
aftercare. Your vet will probably give you antibiotics and
some type of discomfort medication for your puppy.
Your puppy will have stitches to hold the incision
together, 10 to 12 days after the surgery, you will need to
bring your puppy back to the vet to have them removed.
Then you begin the process of training the ears to
stand...taping and re-taping until the desired look is
achieved. You should be prepared for repeated visits to
your vet.
NOTE:
Please visit the following link if you plan to crop your
Boxers ears.
www.boxerbark.com/Warning
Acepromazine.htm
Please understand that the
information I have provided about ear cropping should
not be taken as a substitute for consultation with your veterinarian. The
information
presented here is based on my experience as a boxer owner and breeder.