Ear Cropping at Hermosa Veterinary Clinic

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   Cropping a dog's ears is personal and difficult decision. The procedure is the reshaping of the dog's ear by removing the pinna. The pinna is the floppy part of the ear. About 1/2 of the ear is removed. This procedure is usually done by a qualified veterinarian as a general anesthetic is used. Then the ear is taped in an upright position to a prosthetic device. Several follow up visits are required for retaping of the ears. As with most issues today there are devout and vocal supporters on both sides of the dog ear cropping issue.

   Many people feel that this is elective surgery and abusive to the dog as well as a cruel surgery. One argument is that pain medications are usually not indicated as part of the treatment. Another is that these procedures used to provide worthwhile functions in modern society but now the need is no longer there.

   Proponents claim that ear cropping is done for the health of the dog. Many claim that the cropped ear is cleaner and easier to maintain. There is also the argument that for active dogs in outdoor and wooded environments uncropped ears are more easily snagged by branches and undergrowth causing serious injury.

   At Hermosa Veterinary Clinic we believe that ear cropping is a cosmetic surgery. This procedure is not illegal in any state in the United States. That said, the choice is up to the pet owner. And that choice is neither right or wrong. Just a choice. What we do is provide qualified veterinarians to perform the procedure and the subsequent follow ups for retaping in a safe and sterile environment.

Before and After Cropping Photos

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