To crop or not to crop?

[GoCougs]

Actually, 8-12 wks is the prime age, but it can be done up to 15 wks. Some say even 16, but not recommended. I did a TON of research on it before I had Brandi cropped at 13 wks. Here are some of the links I used for info:

http://members.aol.com/ktbrit/ears.html

http://www.dog.com/information/earcrop.asp

http://www.briarleabouvier.com/ear_cropping.htm

Sorry, you are comparing apples to oranges. The 12 week maximum is not a "generic" timeframe. That is the maximum a boxer should be cropped. Comparing boxers to bouviers or schnauzers is way off base. They have an entirely different ear, and get a completely different crop. Boxer ear leather is heavier that these breeds, and the crop is MUCH MUCH longer. At 12 weeks, the ear leather of most boxers begins to change, which is apparent when you see the first indication of "fly away" ears.

Most vets who are experienced at cropping boxers won't even consider it after 12 weeks.

 

[Alex C.]

Sorry, you are comparing apples to oranges. The 12 week maximum is not a "generic" timeframe. That is the maximum a boxer should be cropped. Comparing boxers to bouviers or schnauzers is way off base. They have an entirely different ear, and get a completely different crop. Boxer ear leather is heavier that these breeds, and the crop is MUCH MUCH longer. At 12 weeks, the ear leather of most boxers begins to change, which is apparent when you see the first indication of "fly away" ears.

Most vets who are experienced at cropping boxers won't even consider it after 12 weeks.

Oh wow, you're right. I know boxers, danes, dobes, min pins etc. have longer crops and that makes sense why they can't do them so late, and usually take longer in taping. I must have been thinking a crop in general. Good point.

 

[Keeroff]

I just can't let this go. She needs to find a vet that knows how to do proper anesthesia. Number one, for the safest anesthesia, the puppy should be intubated and on a gas anesthesia machine. And, if the pup is able to yelp, it is not under an anesthesia.

My pups are sleeping and feel nothing. I know, because I am there. It is all in the experience of the cropping vet and the person doing the aftercare. It should not be painful!!!! I get more complaints from my pups, when I trim their nails than when I change their ear tapes.

nope. she has seen 4-5 vets doing that procedure and says almost all of the pups yelp from pain. can you assume that all 5 of them dont do the anaisthisia properly?

 

[GoCougs]

nope. she has seen 4-5 vets doing that procedure and says almost all of the pups yelp from pain. can you assume that all 5 of them dont do the anaisthisia properly?

I would assume that. Gas anethesia requires a tube to be inserted into the trachea and so that the level of gas can be maintained. With an endotracheal tube in place, a puppy would be unable to yelp.

Perhaps you are confusing ear cropping with tail docking. During ear crops, the puppy is completely and totally unconscious.

 

[Ranvan]

I am glad more and more boxers are shown with natural ears...I hope they all go that route.

To all who proclaim how little pain is encountered....I cannot say right or wrong.

Just one question....and WHY do you crop? For you or for your dog?

And yes, I have questioned the docking of tails, too.

 

[JohnMD.]

All I know is that a part of the body is being cut off. It can't be that comfortable.

If someone amputated a part of me, I would expect that I would feel some pain. Ultimately the decision is up to the owner and I don't have any feelings either way what others choose, but for me the decision is very simple.

My dog was an adult when he came to me, so I didn't have the decision to make. I do know that if I had a pup, there would be no cropping for me. Since I have become a "Boxer person" I have found that I actually see very few cropped dogs. Most that I encounter are floppy.

 

[Keeroff]

I would assume that. Gas anethesia requires a tube to be inserted into the trachea and so that the level of gas can be maintained. With an endotracheal tube in place, a puppy would be unable to yelp.

Perhaps you are confusing ear cropping with tail docking. During ear crops, the puppy is completely and totally unconscious.

LOL no i am not confusing that. besides, pups never yelp at the tail docking.

 

[rebobinar]

I'm not planning to crop - it looks painful and I prefer the floppy look anyway.

 

[gmacleod]

LOL no i am not confusing that. besides, pups never yelp at the tail docking.

How many dockings have you witnessed? Some pups most certainly yelp. They get no anasthetic for this one, not even a local.

What you're talking about with the ear cropping though - puppies screaming during the surgery is the equivalent of someone waking up during the middle of a hip replacement operation and conversing with the surgeon. The dog is anaesthetised - a general anasthetic, meaning the animal is unconsious. Just the same as for a spay/neuter, or any other major surgical operation. If you're seriously suggesting these surgeons are incapable of even anaesthetising an animal correctly, or just don't bother - then they have no business being in practice, and should in fact be reported.

 

[SandyHG55654]

Sorry, you are comparing apples to oranges. The 12 week maximum is not a "generic" timeframe. That is the maximum a boxer should be cropped. Comparing boxers to bouviers or schnauzers is way off base. They have an entirely different ear, and get a completely different crop. Boxer ear leather is heavier that these breeds, and the crop is MUCH MUCH longer. At 12 weeks, the ear leather of most boxers begins to change, which is apparent when you see the first indication of "fly away" ears.

Most vets who are experienced at cropping boxers won't even consider it after 12 weeks.

Thank you for that info! I stated 12 weeks was the max age. I knew that I knew that was right!