Cropped Ears

[scrock]

A Painful Procedure

I have found these posts debating whether any pain is involved with the ear cropping procedure very interesting. I can't believe that so many owners think this procedure as a minor one. I used to work at a veterinarian clinic and have assisted during ear cropping surgeries. I believe that if an owner saw this procedure done that they would never think of putting their baby through it. Just think…it involves cutting off body parts with a scalpel. You don't think that wouldn't involve pain? Listening to the intense cries of pain from a litter of boxer pups as they awoke after surgery was a horrible experience. I have monitored many animals after many different types of operations and never have I seen such obvious signs of pain and trauma. And all of this just for vanity. I hope for a day when this unnecessary procedure is banned for all.

 

[momstaxi]

Boxer pups are so cute with their floppy ears and with natural ears. Ginger has natural ears. We didn't get her until she was 5 months old so it was already too late to crop. But I don't think I would of anyway as I love her floppy ears!! (and we have no plans to show)
Michele

 

[Alisha Mobley]

I believe that if an owner saw this procedure done that they would never think of putting their baby through it.

The procedure can be seen here... http://www.euro-boxer.com/pages/profiles/boxer_ears_tails/ear_cropping_photoreport.html

Listening to the intense cries of pain from a litter of boxer pups as they awoke after surgery was a horrible experience.

It is my understanding that waking after being under an anesthetic can cause many different reactions...howling, whining, thrashing in cage, etc. Also, the amount of discomfort/pain involved with cropping will depend on the skill of the vet doing the surgery.

Here's a Q/A page on cropping...

http://iupucbio2.iupui.edu/*bml/cropdock.html - must remove the * to get the correct link...wouldn't post otherwise?

 

[FarleyBoxer]

I don't know if that euro-boxer link was supposed to make anyone feel better about cropping, but it made me sick to my stomach. I'm honestly not trying to be adversarial and I was loathe to add to this argument that has already been played out so many times, but to me it's irrelevant the degree of pain or discomfort a pup is in after this procedure. The fact remains that the only reason a pup is put through this is b/c the owner/breeder and American judges think it looks jazzier. I just can't fathom putting my baby's ears in a clamp and cutting part of them off.

I'm sort of disappointed that moderators allow these threads at all, though I know everyone has the right to express an opinion or ask a question. No one will ever agree on this point, as everyone has already made up his or her mind before the discussion even begins.

Camille

PS: I really hope no one is offended by my comments, please know that they weren't meant to be accusatory.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

I don't know if that euro-boxer link was supposed to make anyone feel better about cropping,

Nope, not meant to make anyone feel any better or worse about cropping...was posted for education reasons only.

but to me it's irrelevant the degree of pain or discomfort a pup is in after this procedure.

I don't agree that the pain or discomfort is irrelevant no matter what the surgery. When trying to decide on any type of surgery...pain involved should always be a concern.

The fact remains that the only reason a pup is put through this is b/c the owner/breeder and American judges think it looks jazzier.

Not a fact. The AKC standard has a lot to do with why Boxers are cropped. Not all breeders/owners that crop prefer the look...and not all American judges agree with our standard as is.

as everyone has already made up his or her mind before the discussion even begins.

I don't agree with this either. Even if all the posters in this thread had made up their minds before the discussion had started, they're not the only one's reading.

 

[FarleyBoxer]

After re-reading the first sentence of my post, I realize it sounds very catty. I apologize Alisha that I worded it so poorly. Ironic, considering that I write for a living. :o

Camille

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

IMO, there is no reason to crop a pet, unless you really want to. Keep in mind, there is a lot of aftercare, taping for months, etc., to get a good result. American breeders aren't the ones who developed this technique, and Boxers aren't the only breeds to be cropped. It was traditionally done in many fighting breeds because before the days of antibiotics, with droopy ears, a dog could be injured and would die from infection. The cropped ears stand up and out of the way and aren't able to be grabbed/injured by the prey.

I know it's getting more controversial, but I personally like the look on Scrapper. When we first starting looking for a Boxer, I had decided not to crop, but it actually was not that horrible as you imagine. Yes, it's surgery, yes, I was cringing, but Scrapper also had to be neutered because he had an undescended testicle and I believe he was in more discomfort after that surgery and had to remain quiet longer. Scrapper also exhibited the behavior many others have described, running, playing, acting like not much had really happened. I think animals don't have the same reasons we do to mask their pain. If they hurt, you usually know it, IMO. I know the standard may be gradually evolving; there are some uncropped dogs being shown now. Cropped, floppy, they are still our wonderful Boxer babies - wonderful and incomparable.

 

[frankied]

Just to add to this I have a friend who's girl did not do too badly in the show ring and she was uncropped. Judges also can have preferences one way or the other

Christa

 

[GoCougs]

I can't believe that so many owners think this procedure as a minor one.

Seeing as I drop my dog off at my vet, and walk out the door 1 1/2 hours later and my puppies come home and play. I would classify this procedure as a minor one. I've seen dogs layed up for much longer for other procedures which you may consider minor.

At the risk of being inflammatory, I find it strangely amusing that those who don't crop are the ones who "howl" loudest about how cruel it is.

The AKC standard has a lot to do with why Boxers are cropped. Not all breeders/owners that crop prefer the look...and not all American judges agree with our standard as is.

It's semantical really, but the AKC only adopts the standard as proposed by the parent club (ABC). In any case, the parent club is comprised of breeders/owners, so for all intent and purposes those who propose and vote on the standard (breeders/owners) obviously still maintain a preference for the cropped look.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

It's semantical really, but the AKC only adopts the standard as proposed by the parent club (ABC).

What I meant by "The AKC standard has a lot to do with why Boxers are cropped" was only that some would prefer not to crop but do crop because of the current standard. I'm aware that the AKC has nothing to do with our standard but wanted to make sure everyone knew I was referring to the *AKC* standard since others do include uncropped ears as well.

In any case, the parent club is comprised of breeders/owners, so for all intent and purposes those who propose and vote on the standard (breeders/owners) obviously still maintain a preference for the cropped look.

Not all do and I'd guess there are some that still feel it's a health issue (not just for looks).