The dog has long been not only a friend, but also a human helper. The pets helped in herding livestock, in hunting and were always ready to protect the owner. In numerous fights, the ears suffered the most. They were torn and did not heal soon. An infection got into the open wound, and infection occurred. In order to avoid such problems, people have started docking dogs' ears and tails.
To dock means to partially shorten. In the ancient world, a dog's tail was partially cut off, it was believed that this would protect it from contracting rabies. And in the Middle Ages in Europe, ear cropping was done to show the value of a pet. In the modern world, ear cropping is most often done to maintain the aesthetic standards of a particular breed, but in individual cases the operation is required for medical reasons. Ear cropping in dogs is now a popular procedure.
Why do you need cupping?
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure in which part of the ear is removed. It is carried out for therapeutic and cosmetic reasons. Manipulation is needed for several purposes:
- Disease prevention. Removal is appropriate in case of organ trauma or necrosis. Undocked Staffies may suffer from ulcerations and neoplasms. The procedure will prevent or relieve the dog from such pathologies.
- Warnings for ear rupture during combat. It is recommended that they be docked for all hunting and fighting dogs.
Some take this step for personal reasons, believing that resection will make the dog look better. For show Staffords, cropped ears are standard.
Photos of undocked Dobermans
Many people think that Dobermans with undocked ears and tails look quite attractive. Floppy ears and a cute wagging tail give previously intimidating dogs a friendly appearance.
The Doberman's "natural" ears hang halfway down the muzzle and are quite wide. An undocked tail can be curled, straight or lying on the back, reaching a length of up to 30-40 cm.
How to prepare a dog
Before you take your puppy to surgery, prepare him. Initially, make sure that the Staffordshire Terrier:
- Not infected and 7-10 days have passed since possible illness.
- Has not been vaccinated in the last two weeks.
- I was treated for parasites half a month before surgery.
Since the dog is given anesthesia before the procedure, the dog should not be given anything to eat 12 hours before the procedure. Otherwise the staff will vomit.
Preparing the animal for curation
A logical question arises: at what age do ears get cropped? It is best to do this with young individuals. It is best for puppies that are less than one week old. Sometimes this can be done even immediately after the birth of the puppy, or during the first three days after birth. This also applies to dog breeds that, according to the standard, have the required strong shortening of the ears, and the absence of sutures, for example, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs or Central Asians.
A good option for the timing of the operation is to crop the ears directly during childbirth. This gives minimal chances of any complications. But for those breeds whose ears have a complex shape, the procedure is not done immediately, but within forty-five days from the moment of birth.
There are often cases when the procedure for cutting the ear is done at a later date, but dog breeders do not recommend doing this. The procedure is much more difficult, the dog may experience very severe pain, its condition after the operation is much more complex, there may be severe bleeding and even other complications.
Description of the procedure
Ear cropping of a Staffordshire Terrier is performed exclusively under general anesthesia. The duration of the manipulation is one and a half to two hours. Before cropping the ears of Staffy puppies, you need to pay attention not only to the age of the dog, but also to the gender. Breed also plays an important role. The ear should be the same length as the space between the leading edge of the ear and the inside corner of the eye.
The procedure goes like this:
- The dog is restrained. Place on the stomach, the forelimbs are brought forward, the hind limbs are brought back. The head is also immobilized.
- They give anesthesia.
- Wait for the anesthesia to take effect.
- Hair is shaved from the area of the ears and head.
- The operated area is treated with an antiseptic.
- Removal is carried out. To obtain a symmetrical shape, use a special pattern.
- After circumcision, the wound is treated with an antiseptic and stitches are applied.
- Bandages are applied to stop bleeding.
There are several types of surgical interventions and techniques that veterinarians use. Before deciding to have a resection, you should choose a clinic, a doctor and decide on the desired size and shape of the ears. Those who do not want to go to a veterinary clinic can call a veterinarian at home. This is possible, but the risk of infection in this case increases.
Keep in mind! During the effect of anesthesia, dogs do not close their eyes.
Advantages and disadvantages of tail trimming
Possible negative consequences of tail docking include:
- weakening of the dog's motor skills;
- disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- the occurrence of problems in the dog’s communication with other pets and dogs;
- manifestation of causeless aggression.
NOTE!
It is worth noting that the above problems do not always occur, and there is no scientific evidence of their direct connection with cupping.
The biggest disadvantages of the procedure are:
- unpleasant sensations in the pet before and after surgery, bleeding from the wound during subsequent movements of the tail;
- every animal at any age whines and squeals during the procedure and calms down only after a few minutes.
Among the advantages, one can only highlight the maintenance of the usual appearance of the Doberman , which meets the standards, although at present this issue is controversial.
Rehabilitation period
It is advisable for the owner to be present at the moment when the dog recovers from anesthesia. This will make it easier for the staff. It happens that dogs do not come to their senses for a long time. If there is measured breathing, it is not advisable to wake the dog. You just need to put the animal in a warm place or cover it with a blanket (it is allowed to use heating pads), because the staff will freeze while recovering from anesthesia.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
Some dogs do not experience any difficulties or malaise after anesthesia; they quickly come to their senses and go to enjoy the well-deserved food. For others, this is more difficult: they may be lethargic for 12–24 hours and refuse food. The owner’s task is to help the pet survive a difficult period. It would be useful to turn the dog from side to side, stroke it, and talk.
Don't be alarmed if the animal is unsteady or hesitant at first - this is normal. It is imperative to make the Staffordshire Terrier drink and eat. There are several tricks that will stimulate your dog's appetite:
- Drop water onto the mouth area and into the mouth.
- Apply honey to the dog's lips and below the nose.
- Offer your favorite food.
Attention! If bleeding occurs, it is recommended to apply a gauze bandage soaked in a solution of hydrogen peroxide to the area.
Is it necessary to dock the tail?
The tail is an important organ of the dog, which is involved in coordination of movements and body control.
With the help of the movements of this limb, the Doberman expresses its feelings and mood. Sweeping movements indicate that the dog is in a friendly mood and ready to play, or, conversely, expresses dissatisfaction. If the tail is tucked, the pet experiences discomfort and even fear.
Several centuries ago, Dobermans had their tails docked as protective dogs, because... this part of the body was subject to constant trauma. Over time, the procedure began to be carried out purely for cosmetic purposes, to maintain the appearance of the breed.
IMPORTANT!
Under new European standards, tail docking is considered human cruelty and an inhumane procedure. Therefore, many owners began to refuse surgery so as not to expose the animal to stress.
Gradually, all countries are introducing a ban on participation in competitions and exhibitions of tailless individuals. This was another reason why owners stopped thinking about docking their pet.
Postoperative care
In order for the Staffordshire Terrier to recover quickly and the operation to give the desired result, it is worth following a number of recommendations.
Ear collar
Since the wound itches as it heals, it is important to prevent scratching. For such purposes, a special collar is used that is put on the dog. It is advised to wear it until the wound heals. After this, the itching goes away and the device can be removed. The collar is made of durable multilayer polyethylene, cardboard or plastic. They are easy to find in a veterinary pharmacy or pet store. The shape of the product can be round or curved.
Daily cleaning of seams with a tampon
To prevent the wound from festering, daily treatment with an antiseptic is required to prevent infection. This could be chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. The crusts that appear are soaked and removed. Also, be careful not to get dust on your ears.
Walking a puppy in dry weather
Don't forget about walking your pet. The dog needs fresh air for a speedy recovery. After going outside, be sure to treat your staff's ears with an antiseptic solution. To calm and obedience the dog at these moments, praise him and give him treats.
Remember! Walking is allowed only in dry weather. Humidity will cause the wound to take a long time to heal.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
If the threads are self-absorbing, then the stitches will not need to be removed, but if not, then you need to visit the veterinary clinic 10 days after the operation. For a speedy recovery, it is advisable to give your dog a complex of vitamins.
Which ear shape should you choose?
Alabai ears can be given three shapes:
- Standard. Leave a little cartilage tissue and cut in a semicircle or straight.
- Bear. There is a little more cartilage left, the shape is round. As a result, the alabai becomes like a bear cub.
- Caucasian. Leave approximately one third of the length of the cartilage, cut in a semicircle.
It is important! You need to decide on the form in advance, then nothing can be adjusted or corrected.
Possible complications
In rare cases, complications may occur after surgery. The following factors influence:
- the doctor does not have sufficient qualifications and does not adhere to sanitary and hygienic standards during the manipulation process;
- the dog owner does not follow all the veterinarian’s recommendations in the postoperative period;
- the dog has poor immunity;
- improper preparation was made or the pet was sick;
- During the operation and during the recovery stage, drugs were used to which the dog was allergic.
Due to unqualified actions of the doctor or poor care of the owner, the following may occur:
- inflammatory processes, suppuration of sutures;
- hyperemia;
- bleeding;
- rashes;
- scarring and thickening of the edges of the ear.
Attention! In especially severe cases, complications arise all at once.
Inflammation, suppuration
Often, inflammatory processes with the appearance of purulent sacs in the area of the sutures appear if during surgery the doctor used a non-sterile instrument and did not properly treat the resection area. Also caused by suture dehiscence, low immune defense and infectious diseases. Regular antiseptic treatments and the use of antibiotics can stop inflammation.
Hyperemia (redness) and rash
Such phenomena indicate an allergic reaction, which can only be removed with antihistamines.
Bleeding
Significant bleeding occurs in dogs that have surgery at a later age. This is also possible when the animal overheats.
Scarring and thickening of the edges of the ear
Scarring of the Staffordshire Terrier's ears depends on the individual characteristics of the dog. Age plays an important role.
Remember! If the ears of a Staffordshire Terrier are cropped by qualified doctors and in accordance with all sanitary and hygienic standards, then there will be no complications.
Do I need to crop my ears?
The right to answer this question is given to the owner of the dog. The breed standard, which is still followed in Russia, is the docked Doberman, however, no one obliges you to change the natural appearance of your pet.
There are no medical indications for the procedure. Moreover, the tail and ears are a certain indicator of emotions and mood for a dog. Animals with long ears and tails find it easier to communicate and express their feelings through body language.
If you don’t care about the menacing and wary appearance of a docked Doberman, then you don’t have to subject the animal to this operation.
