Ear Crop Protocol
This is a surgical procedure, done under
general anesthesia, to cut the ear to a shape that can be wrapped to stand
upright. It is done to cosmetic purposes and for showing. There is no medical
advantage or disadvantage to the procedure. Successful ear crops result from a
combination of surgery and aftercare. We promise our best efforts, but cannot
guarantee perfect ears or even that stand, on every individual. Owners need to
be committed to appropriate after care.
Due to previous problems with non-cancelled
/no show appointments, for all new clients, we are requiring a deposit of
$125.00. The deposit will be applied to the completed surgery and will become
non-refundable if the client does not cancel or re-schedule one week (7 days)
prior to the surgery.
PRE-SURGERY
A well puppy, 8 to 12 weeks of age, is
preferred. (Performing this procedure on older puppies is at the discretion for
the veterinarian.) The puppy should be current on the distemper/parvo
combination (DHPP), and bordatella vaccines. Proof the this must be provided at
the consultation /exam appointment.
DAY OF SURGERY
The pup should fast at least five hours
prior to surgery. The owner, when checking in, should advise us of what time
the pup last ate.
This is an out patient procedure (day surgery). The pup is
usually released at the end of the day.
The fee for anesthesia, surgery, and suture
removal is $265.00 for pups less that 20 pounds. For pups over 20 pounds, the
fee is $295.00. For the pups over 40 pounds, the fee could be $325.00 and up.
There is an additional charge for ointment to apply to the incisions (currently
$14.00-$20.00). There is an exam fee/consultation of $44.00. We offer and
optional pre-surgical blood test for $47.25, which checks kidney and liver
functions as well as checking for anemia. We also offer the placement of a
procedural intravenous catheter which will provide your pup with fluid support
as well as an open port to their vein if anything should go wrong during surgery
that was unforeseen by the physical exam or blood work. This procedure is an additional $46.00.
Upon completion of surgery, the ears are
taped to an inverted cup. This cup is covered with a non-stick colored tape,
which should be removed after 24-48 hours. Beneath the colored tape and
covering the incisions are non-stick pads. These should be also removed after
24-48 hours. Do not remove the white adhesive tape or cup. Ideally, the cup
should remain on the puppy's head until the suture removal in 10 days. However,
it is not uncommon for puppies to be able to get the cup off earlier, so do not
panic if this occurs. If the cup comes off and the ears are not bleeding, the
ears may remain without support until the sutures are removed. We remove
sutures on the pinna of the ear in 5-7 days, the and the base of the ear in
10-14 days after initial surgery.
OWNER INSTRUCTIONS POST
SURGERY
Give your pup no food or water for the
first 2 hours after arriving at home. The excitement of release and the ride
home can add to the possibility of upset stomach after anesthesia.
The ears must be kept dry. Apply the
antibiotic/steroid ointment (Animax / Panolog Cream) to the incisions daily,
after cleaning them with hydrogen peroxide, warm water, or saline.
Prevent the pup from scratching the
incisions. This may be done by taping baby socks on the hind feet or by using
an Elizabethan collar. A new chew toy to distract the pup may be
appropriate.
Prescription analgesics are available on an
individual basis. One baby aspirin or 1/4 tablet adult aspirin or a 1/4 tablet
Ascriptin tablet may be given every 8 hours, if necessary.
If the cup comes off and the incisions are
not bleeding, the ears may remain without support until sutures are removed.
Suture removal is done 10-14 days after surgery. Please call for an
appointment.
After the sutures are removed, many breeds
require several ear wraps. Ear wraps are done here by first come first serve
basis on Wednesday evenings between 5:30pm and 7 pm: WE ARE CLOSED AT
7PM SHARP. The cost for the wraps are $12.50 for each wrap. The
previous wrap should be removed 12-24 hours before the re-wrap appointment. The
number of wraps required varies greatly with individual puppies. It can take
from 5-25 wraps. The average amount of wraps for boxers are
8-10times.
If there are any questions or concerns,
please call us @ (503) 625-4404 or e-mail cvh@crossroadsvet.com
