10/08/2020
If you want your pitbull's ears to be cropped, go through this...
1. The Best Age for Ear Cropping- Itβs best to get the procedure done before 12 weeks of age. (Most vets recommend having it done between 7 and 12 weeks of age.)
2. Choosing an Ear Crop Style- Next, you need to choose an ear crop style. Itβs important to choose an ear crop style before you go looking for a vet, because some vets will only perform one style of crop.
3. Choosing The Right Licensed Veterinarian- This procedure will determine how your dog looks for the rest of their life, make sure to and put in the work and find the best vet. Itβs a great idea to ask your breeder (or other local breeders) where they get their ears done at, they will know whoβs the best and can refer you.
When you talk to the vet, youβll want to ask them two things:
1) Pricing- surgery price varies according to latest methods of cropping. Price should include the procedure, the follow-up visit, and any medications. (pain medicine and potentially antibiotics)
2) Proof of Prior Trims- In addition, itβs a good idea to bring in a few pictures of ear crops that you like.
Show them to the vet and ask if they are able to crop ears in your style. (Some vets will only crop ears one way, so make sure they can provide what you want)
4. First Visit- So youβve picked a vet. Your next step is to take your pup in for a visit, The vet will make sure that your pup is healthy and able to handle the anesthesia. Some vets will do a blood test before.
The vet will give you any instructions on what to do & not do the night before the surgery.
Youβll have to restrict food & water the night before and morning of surgery.
Make sure to pay attention, ask questions and follow your veterinarians instruction strictly.
5. The Cropping Process- Ear cropping should always be carried out under full anesthesia and must be performed by a licensed veterinarian with experience doing this procedure, which lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.
The pinnas are cut to a certain length, and the edges are sutured.
After surgery, bandages will be wrapped around the ears so that they heal in an erect position.
This bandaging can last for days or months.
The dogβs ears will be sensitive and painful for at least several weeks following the procedure.
Medicines are administered to help reduce soreness and prevent infection.
6. After the Procedure- Your vet may want to keep your dog overnight, or you might be able to take them home the same day. The vet should also provide you with pain medication but make sure to ask for some if they forget.
They will also attach some kind of foam support or plastic rack to your pup ears prior to sending them home with you.
Your pup will definitely be out-of-it for a night. The anesthetic will make them drowsy, and their ears will be slightly sore.
If your pup is showing signs of pain, give them some of the pain medication, thatβs what itβs for. they will be back to normal and pain free in two-three days.
7. Aftercare Tips
1) Follow your Vetβs Instructions- This should go without saying, make sure to follow all your vetβs instructions! Your pup has just had surgery, and itβs very important to do everything you can to help your pup heal properly.
2) Use the Cone- You can remove the cone from your pup as long as you are supervising them, always put the cone back on whenever youβre not watching. The cone is to protect your pup from popping their stitches, this very important for the proper healing process.
3) Keep the Ears Clean- You need to keep the skin clean, This is important to prevent infections that could require an emergency trip to your vet.
Use peroxide and Neosporin at least 2 or 3 times a day.
4) Remove scabs- When you were a kid, your mother may have told you not to pick at scabs. Well that might be good advice for yourself, but when it comes to cropping ears, you want to remove any scabs on your dogβs ears immediately.
The scabs can interfere with the ears properly standing up. the best way to remove the scabs is to soak them in water / Neosporin for 5 minutes first, to soften them up and make it less painful to pick off.
5) Infections- When you wash your dogβs ears (should be 2-3 times a day) lookout for signs of infection. This could come in the form of redness, swelling, pain, or red streaks reaching away from the site area. If you see any signs of infection, take your pup to the vet ASAP for treatment.