Ear Cropping is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the ear is removed so that the ears stand erect. This is typically done to conform to breed standards.
This procedure is usually performed in puppies 8-12 weeks old. Most veterinarians will not do this procedure on puppies over 14 weeks old because as the puppies ages, his ear cartilage becomes less pliant and the potential for non-erect ears increases.
In this procedure, an incision is made from the base of the ear to the tip of the ear, removing the outer half of the ear flap.
After both ears have been done, the incision is sutured.
The ears will then be taped and bandaged to help hold them erect.The sutures may need to be removed in 10-14 days. The puppy will need to be rechecked at weekly intervals to make sure the ears are healing and standing nicely.
With Ear Cropping you have to pay special attention to the ears to make sure the puppy doesn't scratch or claw at them because the sutures may be pulled out or they may become infected which will cause a messy prolonged healing.
