Common Dog Breeds with Ear Trims
Ear trim surgery is often requested for several different common breeds. The Boxer, Great Dane, Schnauzer, Doberman Pincher, Miniature Pinchers, Manchester Terrier, Bouvier des Flanders, and Affenpinschers, are the breeds of dogs that owners would likely consider having this type of surgery. While ear trim surgery is considered to be completely elective and cosmetic, many pet owners request the procedure out of convention and personal preference. Most breeds are acceptable in the show ring with either form of ear. There are 3 basic ear trim styles. LONG SHOW CUT: Has greatest chance of ear not standing due to excessive ear length. I do NOT recommend it for the average pet. SHORT FIGHTING DOG CUT: This is an unattractive ear trim and I will not do it on any dog. MEDIUM PET CUT: I strongly recommend the medium pet cut for all pets that are not shown in confirmation competition.
Why Dr. Jarrett performs Ear Trim surgery
If you have made the decision to have your pet’s ears trimmed, Dr. Jarrett can and will provide the surgical procedure after examining your dog and discussing the different ear trim styles. Dr. Jarrett has over 25 yrs of experience in Ear Trim surgery with all of the above breeds and will provide general gas anesthetic, the surgery, post-op pain control, antibiotics, after surgery follow up care and taping. This surgery is done by Dr. Jarrett to prevent owners from seeking out non-licensed persons that perform ear trims in non-sterile fashion without anesthetic, pain control or antibiotics.
Is my dog a good candidate for Ear Trim Surgery?
Dog owners need to realize that not every puppy is a candidate for ear trim surgery. If the ears are set too low on the head, the cartilage is to thin or weak, of if there is excessive congenital folding of the ears, then your pup may not qualify for ear trim surgery by Dr. Jarrett. All of these potential problems will be discussed at the first exam visit prior to booking a surgical appointment. All pups undergoing this surgery need to be free of ear mites, ear infections, skin infections and in excellent overall health. Dr. Jarrett rarely does ear trim surgery on puppies over 14 weeks of age.
The Ear Trim procedure
If you are considering having your puppy’s ears trimmed, here a few important things to know. First, your puppy will have to undergo this procedure sometime between nine and twelve weeks of age. He will be required to stay a minimum of one night in the hospital following the procedure. After administering general gas anesthesia, the ears are measured, marked, and cut using a CO2 surgical laser. The laser minimizes pain and controls bleeding. The cut edge is sutured and a tape bandage is applied to provide support to both ears in an upright position. Your pup will be kept in the hospital overnight to prevent exercise and movement that could contribute to bleeding from the cut edge of the ear. The next day, during an exit appointment, your pup will be discharged after you are given instructions for post op care, pain control and antibiotics.
Post-op care
The first post-op recheck is then scheduled for 7 days after surgery to remove the tape to allow the cut edge to finish healing. If at any time after surgery there is any problem with the tape coming off, sutures coming out, or infection becoming evident, Dr. Jarrett needs to see the pup the very next working day. Problems, though few, can become very threatening to the success of the surgery if they are not handled promptly. Sutures are removed at day 10-14 post op and more tape, if needed, is applied.
How much does it cost?
The current cost for ear trim surgery at our hospital is $435. The charge covers all but the first exam visit, required vaccinations if needed, fecal test for intestinal parasites, and rechecks or taping more than a month after the surgery.
Does Dr. Jarrett guarantee that the ears will stand?
Due to many factors affecting the outcome of successful ear trim surgery, Dr. Jarrett does not guarantee that the ears will stand. However, be assured that since Dr. Jarrett’s name will be on top of your dog’s head whether they stand or not that he is highly motivated to perform ear trim surgery in a competent and successful manner.
How to get started
Please call our office at 817-596-0909 to make an appointment for a complete physical exam at which time you will meet Dr. Jarrett to discuss your pets candidacy for ear trim surgery. Please bring any veterinary medical records of exams, vaccinations, parasite control or medical problems discovered by your breeder, yourself, or your regular veterinarian.
