Is there anything we can do to recover a failed ear crop by previous owner?

TrexFanatic · 02-06-2008, 03:53 AM

We have a Doberman bitch 6.5 months old which was an abandoned animal we picked up from the Rescue. The previous owner has had her ear cropped but did not maintain taping and her ears will not stay up. Is there anything we can do at this age to help her ears stand or is it too late? Many thanks for any replies.

VaBtrfly · 02-06-2008, 09:19 AM

It's quite possible with some dogs, depending on the type of crop that was done. I rescued an 8 month old female with cropped/flopped ears and was successful at getting her ears to stand by posting alone. Though, it did take several months. However, after looking at your pictures, I'd have to say that it's rather doubtful they would stand without further "surgical" intervention. It actually looks like (based on the pictures) that her initial crop wasn't a very good one. As a matter of fact, it almost looks like she wasn't cropped at all. There are several members who have had surgical corrections done, and I'm sure they'll be along shortly to share their experiences and advice.

She's a beautiful girl and I'm sure you'll love her just as much, even with floppy ears. Bless you for rescuing this pretty gal!

BTW, welcome from Virginia!

**ellenm** · 02-06-2008, 09:23 AM

I was going to say the same thing from your gallery pictures....it does not look like the ears were cropped at all. Very hard to see where they were done on that outside edge at all.

They look cute floppy, in my opinion.

dobebug · 02-06-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrexFanatic

We have a Doberman bitch 6.5 months old which was an abandoned animal we picked up from the Rescue. The previous owner has had her ear cropped but did not maintain taping and her ears will not stay up. Is there anything we can do at this age to help her ears stand or is it too late? Many thanks for any replies.

is it possible to get a couple of pictures in better lighting--one from the side & one from the front of your puppies head?

i took a look at the picture you posted & agree with the op--it does not appear that she has been cropped at all. if she was cropped it must be among the world's worst crops.

Julie W · 02-06-2008, 11:55 AM

I agree with the others, she appears to have natural ears. It doesn't look like they were ever cropped at all.

**Camillesdad** · 02-06-2008, 12:15 PM

Looks like natural ears to me too. She's a cutie anyway!

jdd · 02-06-2008, 12:48 PM

Just start taping them. I thinking the pictures must not be of the female you are talking about. I helped someone get ears up on an 18 month old. We taped and kept them taped and his ears are standing now.

**sebsyd** · 02-06-2008, 03:54 PM

I think that we had several threads on this type of question in the near -past. If you research archives, you make get some more info while you are waiting for others to post. Good luck.

TrexFanatic · 02-07-2008, 02:41 AM

Thanks for the replies so far,much appreciated. We are first time Doberman owners but have had German Shepherds before. I was told Saber's ears were cropped but struggled to see any scarring or marks,difference in ear shape that would suggest so although compared to other Dobes with natural ears we have seen out walking she has narrower ears so maybe it was not done by a vet? I have found some good info on taping etc on the site and a few videos on Youtube. We will try taping and see how it goes. I will post progress pics once/if we are successful. Watch this space!

reddobes · 02-07-2008, 06:45 PM

I agree with the others that it doesn't appear that her ears have been cropped. You may well want to just leave them the way they are as they may look quite "bat like" if you were to get them to stand. You can try holding them up to get an idea of what they will look like, but judging from your pics and what you're saying, IMO she'd probably look better just leaving them the way they are.
Good luck w/ your girl and whatever you decide.