View Full Version : Puppy health and ear cropping for fawns, please help!
Fred&Jenn
04-01-2011, 01:13 PM
We recently got a new dobe puppy. His name is Blaze and he is a fawn.
The person we got the puppy from is not a pro breeder so it is probably a pet quality dog at best but we don't care because we love him to death!!!
We have run into a little trouble trying to get his ears and tail done however....
The breeder was going to get the tail done with her other pups and we were going to have his ears done. Well, we took Blaze to the vet and after talking with him decided to get both done at the same time. The vet said that both were major surgeries so we thought it was best.
Well, the following week we took him in and after they did bloodwork they said he was anemic. They then took a fecal sample which was ok. He said it was not abnormal for a growing pup to have and gave us a bottle of Liqui-Tinic and instructions to give with food(5ml) twice daily.
Everytime we gave him the medicine he acted very strange. Very docile, not active. The last time he started drooling a lot and did not look good. We immediately stopped giving him that and called the vet who said to try pet tabs instead. We got puppy tabs instead of pet tabs in fear of the same thing happening to him again. He does fine with those.
The following week(this past Tuesday), we took Blaze back to try again and the same thing. He's not healthy enough yet for the surgery.
We go back again in two weeks...and we are not sure what to do at this point. We want our puppy's tail and ears done but pretty soon it will be too late. He is 10 weeks now and we don't want him to go thru any more pain than he has to. Just as we were leaving the vet one of the ladies there said not to worry, that they would at the very least get his tail done but we want both done!
Is there anything we can do to get his health up to speed for the operation? He is such a beautiful dog and his personality is unbelievable....and we love him so much!!!!!!!
Please help!
von Cosack Dobermann
04-01-2011, 01:31 PM
Your running out of time;
Where are you located?Do you know of a Dobermann breeder in your area that has their pups cropped?
Dockings are NOT major surgeries, however at this time its best to do them together and croppings are major because the pup is completely anesthetized. Von
Fred&Jenn
04-01-2011, 01:36 PM
Your running out of time;
Where are you located?Do you know of a Dobermann breeder in your area that has their pups cropped?
Dockings are NOT major surgeries, however at this time its best to do them together and croppings are major because the pup is completely anesthetized. Von
Thank you for your reply. We are in Michigan and we don't really know any breeders. This person was a friend of my son.
We REALLY want both done asap.
von Cosack Dobermann
04-01-2011, 03:05 PM
I'll be back in touch with you in about an hours time. Von
Fred&Jenn
04-01-2011, 03:26 PM
I'll be back in touch with you in about an hours time. Von
Thank you very much for your help, it is greatly appreciated!
von Cosack Dobermann
04-01-2011, 04:46 PM
I don't personally know a cropper in your state but I have a friend checking for me. What is the largest city your near? Von
Fred&Jenn
04-01-2011, 05:48 PM
I don't personally know a cropper in your state but I have a friend checking for me. What is the largest city your near? Von
We are in Howell Michigan. 40 minutes from Detroit or Lansing. About 30 minutes from Ann Arbor. Thank you Von!
von Cosack Dobermann
04-01-2011, 05:56 PM
OK, in the mean time while I'm waiting for a friend whose searching, you can call all of your surrounding vets that crop. They all should have a album with pictures of the different breeds that get their ears cropped. If you believe in your vet as far as the infection they say the pup has then you need to decide in their expertize.
I would call Dobermann, Great Dane, Boxers and Bouv breeders in your greater area and thoughs breeders will know which vets do a great job and the ones that are hackers. Cropping free lance has alot of art ability and not every vet has that ability in fact most are terrible at it.
Hopefully my friend knows someone there. I have listings for croppers and trainers in alot of areas across the country but nothing in your area. Get to searching. Von
Fred&Jenn
04-01-2011, 06:12 PM
OK, in the mean time while I'm waiting for a friend whose searching, you can call all of your surrounding vets that crop. They all should have a album with pictures of the different breeds that get their ears cropped. If you believe in your vet as far as the infection they say the pup has then you need to decide in their expertize.
I would call Dobermann, Great Dane, Boxers and Bouv breeders in your greater area and thoughs breeders will know which vets do a great job and the ones that are hackers. Cropping free lance has alot of art ability and not every vet has that ability in fact most are terrible at it.
Hopefully my friend knows someone there. I have listings for croppers and trainers in alot of areas across the country but nothing in your area. Get to searching. Von
Appreciate the info. My thoughts as well. I'll try to contact some breeders out here but they are few and far between. When we first got Blaze I did a search on croppers in Michigan and only two came up. One was a few hours away and the other was this vet and he was within a hour so it was a no brainer at first.
I'll start looking again though. Thanks again...
Fred&Jenn
04-03-2011, 11:08 AM
The DPCA has a breeder referral and many of them are willing to help find a good vet to help you. Not all vets do a nice crop and you will need help with the posting. Google DPCA and breeder referal and doberman. They are listed by state. Good luck with your puppy
Thank you very much Bites! I'll check into that asap!
I would leave the tail and ears. If you arent' breeding then it doesn't matter. Breeders usually do the ear cuts and docks before you get them. Cutting a tail that is now bone on an older puppy can cause nerve damage. We had a dog a few years back that was in rescue and it was sad. We had it repaired and he never got fully ok. Leave the ears the way you got him is my way, they are just as good a dog without it.
MY girl got her tail later done, since the breeder didn't know which she wanted to keep and which not and since she was going to sow and trila them Europe, some of them would stay all natural.
So my girl got her tail done, when they did her ears and she is doing just fine. has a beautyful crop and her tail is perfect too. Sure its a bigger surgery, but they will do just fine. But you need to find a vet what does it and has experience with those things. Posting isn't to hard to learn at all, with some practice you will get the hang of in, will post a link where you can look how to do it, always do my dogs ears and never had a problem.
About taking care of the fawn, i'll give you another link. Fawns and blues a dilutes and can have some times rpblems with their skin and coat,but there a great tips on it.
Here the ear posting link:
http://misteldobermans.com/earwrapping.htm
taking care of blues and fawns
http://www.seattle-attorney.com/storm/sup.html
i have a blue here and if you need more help, let me know.
von Cosack Dobermann
04-03-2011, 04:48 PM
I haven't heard back from my friend for info in your area so continue your search and keep digging. Aesa is correct in her info about dockings beyond the average age to be cut. Theres NO problem out of the ordinary to dock at any age. Ofcourse the younger age is the best but if you can dock when you crop thats fine.
The "Natural" look is growing in popularity today and all though I prefer the tail docked I have owned and co-owned natural eared dogs and if the ears are "taped" down so they don't stick out or get uneven a Dobermann looks very good that way.
The links Aesa gave you are excellant and the "Storm" link for delutes is a must read for owners. Don't go over board with suppliments and never use more than one at a time so you can see the results clearly. Von.
........thats cute lil' boy!!!!! "Train em up" .....or he'll train YOU!!! hahaha!
JIM bo
04-04-2011, 08:07 PM
Well there's not too many vets here in michigan that do cropping or docking.I took Lily To Allen's animal hospital in livonia. They did a wonderful job on her ears and also her tail Any crop you what she does! I hope this helps your search.
von Cosack Dobermann
04-04-2011, 08:40 PM
Thanks jimBo I'm coming up empty in that area. Seems that area and Chicago and a few spots out on the plains are very difficult to find vets that know how to crop properly also to find trainers in the mid-west can be difficult because of the size of the area and distance between major cities. Fred&Jen I hope you've found who your looking for and incase you haven't get the tail docked (2nd joint) and I'll give you the link to properly get the natural ear to lay correctly. Remember its whats "in their heads" thats most important not on them!!! "train em up"!! Von
Well there's not too many vets here in michigan that do cropping or docking.I took Lily To Allen's animal hospital in livonia. They did a wonderful job on her ears and also her tail Any crop you what she does! I hope this helps your search.
Glad to see you got on the site Jim.
Fred&Jenn
04-05-2011, 05:14 PM
Well there's not too many vets here in michigan that do cropping or docking.I took Lily To Allen's animal hospital in livonia. They did a wonderful job on her ears and also her tail Any crop you what she does! I hope this helps your search.
Thank you for that info! I'll check into that tomorrow.
We would really prefer to have his tail and ears done if at all possible.
Fred&Jenn
04-11-2011, 08:02 AM
Well tomorrow Blaze goes back to the vet. His time is running out. Wish us luck...
Fred&Jenn
04-12-2011, 09:07 AM
We just got back from the vet.
His blood work came back good!
Our blaze is finally getting his surgery!!!
Will post back later after we pick him up today.
von Cosack Dobermann
04-12-2011, 09:47 AM
heres something to check out while you wait google: Carol Petruzzo DPCA Ear Croppings///or Carosel Dobermans/// Carol is one of THE most experienced breeders in the world and has cropped and posted many many pups ears!!!! This info guide is the best out there in that all the materials needed are explained theres a step by step proceedure outlined for posting.
Ofcourse follow your vets instructions to the tee, but to gain as much knowledge as possible can only further your experiences. 'Ask questions to your vet and don't be concerned with the stitches when you get him back they heal quickly.
You have 4 to 5 months a head of you and it will go by quickly but you WILL be sick of posting when its done hahahaha!!! Once you get to the pups teething your near the finish line, good luck! Von
Fred&Jenn
04-12-2011, 10:27 AM
heres something to check out while you wait google: Carol Petruzzo DPCA Ear Croppings///or Carosel Dobermans/// Carol is one of THE most experienced breeders in the world and has cropped and posted many many pups ears!!!! This info guide is the best out there in that all the materials needed are explained theres a step by step proceedure outlined for posting.
Ofcourse follow your vets instructions to the tee, but to gain as much knowledge as possible can only further your experiences. 'Ask questions to your vet and don't be concerned with the stitches when you get him back they heal quickly.
You have 4 to 5 months a head of you and it will go by quickly but you WILL be sick of posting when its done hahahaha!!! Once you get to the pups teething your near the finish line, good luck! Von
Blaze has and is teething like a madman now! LOL
I really appreciate all your help Von! Gonna google what you recommended. We want to know all we can about the breed and our blaze!
Jenna was crying when we left the vet. I'm just thankful they are abler to finally do it. He's 12 weeks 4 days old today. It was pushing it as far as I'm concerned. Hopefully all will go well.
Again, many thanks!
i just hope everything works out well for you and the little guy.
here is a very great link, how to post ears well and don't be afraid to ask, if you need help. Most imposrtant thing is that the ears are healed completely and the stitches are out, before you start posting and make sure, when you post, to stretch the ears very well. Stretch them so far as you can and then wiggle the post into the ear, but don't let go. if you don't stretch them well, they can get pockets and that is a Pita to fix those.
so here is the link with pics and step by step directions : http://misteldobermans.com/earwrapping.htm
Fred&Jenn
04-14-2011, 12:42 PM
Sorry I haven't posted but I've been giving Blaze all my undivided attention since he's been home.
His surgery went very well and he is doing GREAT!!!
He's a very good boy and has really taken everything well. We are very suprised at how well he is doing! No whimpering, crying...anything. By the next day he was his old self again!
I am SOOOOOO glad this ordeal is over. Now on to the training....
von Cosack Dobermann
04-14-2011, 04:59 PM
Good for Blaze!!!! Be aware that the stitches will itch abit as the healing begins so don't worry about it just keep him away from rippin them up hahaha!!! Does he have an Eliz. collar on (lamp shade head)???? Also make sure he doesn't get a hold of his tail docking that can be a bigger problem than the stitches on the ears. Let them dry up naturally and if their really itch some powder can help I'd follow your vets instructions to the tee then once the stitches are out theres a lot of different opinions on how to proceed but just remember you'll be posting till 5.5 months or more so don't get nervous or overly concerned just go about your business and get it done.
A little helpfull hint from the start.........................Don't Baby this pup ...........once they hit 5 months they'll be into everything so your OB needs to start NOW and manners are a must. He won't learn everything quickly and he will be a pain in the butt on more than one tasks but a solid routine of going out to potty and training sessions that have NO excuse being missed is a MUST!!! Remember hes an adult dog much longer than puppyhood, so this lil cute pup if not trained will drive you nutz if you fail.
Now that thats said have fun..........hahahaha!!!!!! Von
von Cosack Dobermann
04-14-2011, 05:58 PM
...............huh..............!!! Von
Fred&Jenn
04-14-2011, 09:48 PM
Good for Blaze!!!! Be aware that the stitches will itch abit as the healing begins so don't worry about it just keep him away from rippin them up hahaha!!! Does he have an Eliz. collar on (lamp shade head)???? Also make sure he doesn't get a hold of his tail docking that can be a bigger problem than the stitches on the ears. Let them dry up naturally and if their really itch some powder can help I'd follow your vets instructions to the tee then once the stitches are out theres a lot of different opinions on how to proceed but just remember you'll be posting till 5.5 months or more so don't get nervous or overly concerned just go about your business and get it done.
A little helpfull hint from the start.........................Don't Baby this pup ...........once they hit 5 months they'll be into everything so your OB needs to start NOW and manners are a must. He won't learn everything quickly and he will be a pain in the butt on more than one tasks but a solid routine of going out to potty and training sessions that have NO excuse being missed is a MUST!!! Remember hes an adult dog much longer than puppyhood, so this lil cute pup if not trained will drive you nutz if you fail.
Now that thats said have fun..........hahahaha!!!!!! Von
He is wearing a collar to keep him from getting to his tail and ears. He does have a tiny bit of bleeding at one of the stitches on his tail. Somehow he managed to get his bandage off his tail yesterday but we got it taped up tonight.
About the potty and training....we were on him from day one on potty training. He is on a schedule and he does have a routine. He generally gets up around 7 or 8 and immediately goes outside. The only time he goes in the house is if we don't see him at the door and thats our fault. He has been letting us know when he needs to go for weeks now.
Once we get those stitches out and hes starting to heal we will get to training. Of course when the vet says he's ready. He knows a lot already and learns extremely fast in my opinion. Not that I'm any expert by any means, lol.
He will sit, speak, stay, shake with whatever paw you ask for, lay and we were working on rolling over before the surgery.
Not to say he can't be stubborn though...haha! All in all he seems to be a very smart puppy.
Here's a few shots. The night before surgery and after surgery when he got home. Sorry for the poor quality pics...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/agriv8n/005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/agriv8n/006-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/agriv8n/010-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/agriv8n/015-1.jpg
I hope the stitches are not covered with tape, the edges of the ear were the stitches are should be free of aykind of tape, so they can heal better. I just love those little coneheads, hehehehe
Glad he did so well and everything work out on the end. give Blaze a big hug.
Fred&Jenn
04-15-2011, 04:45 PM
No, the stitches aren't covered by tape.
von Cosack Dobermann
04-15-2011, 05:11 PM
Nice hat..........hahaha!!! Did he dock the tail at the second joint??? Von
arwclubhouse
04-15-2011, 06:47 PM
...............huh..............!!! Von
I thought the same thing. :eek:
I believe it was a typo and they actually meant "healing".
Fred&Jenn
04-15-2011, 08:06 PM
Nice hat..........hahaha!!! Did he dock the tail at the second joint??? Von
I don't know Von.
Fred&Jenn
04-17-2011, 12:11 PM
It's finally starting to bother him. His ears are probably dry and very itchy as he's shaking his head from side to side a lot.
All in all, he's done VERY well. Much better than I expected. He goes back to the vet in two more days.
One thing I noticed since he's been home is his alertness. He seems to be much more alert and barks now when someone is at the door! He's starting to sound like a much bigger dog than he is too! LOL
von Cosack Dobermann
04-17-2011, 03:01 PM
The cropping is a big event in a lil pups life. He wakes up in a strange place he knows something is different all his sences are kicked at the same time it seems and its all overwhelming. So they do start growing up a little from the experience. The brave front they put on from barking is abit of fear and apprehension about the unknown and its very normal for all pups to go through it. I always used it to teach and alert command at the door and a stop barking command with it. Nothing like a little puppy guarding the house and strutting around like a "big" dog hahahaha!!!! You stay calm and have a good positive energy and he'll sence that as he matures and thats how you can build a strong bond. Stick with your vets instructions. Von
inkondesk
04-17-2011, 06:07 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/agriv8n/006-1.jpg
Would you be terribly offended if I said Blaze has the same face as Kay? ... LOL.
He's such a handsome little dude. Can't wait to see what those ears will look like. I love the fawns.
How is Blaze doing today ???
If the edges are very dry and you think they start itching, you can put some neosporin on it and massage slightly, that takes the itch off the ears.
Fred&Jenn
04-19-2011, 12:20 PM
Hi Aesa! Blaze is doing great! We've been taking his neck cone thing off when we can as his tail is doing well and he don't mess with it. He is sooo happy when we take it off! LOL
The edges of his ears are all scabbed up and he doesn't like his ears touched but I have been putting lotion behind his ears as they have gotten dry and flakey from the cone rubbing on it.
Friday he goes back to have his stitches removed. He(WE)can't wait!:)
Fred&Jenn
04-19-2011, 12:21 PM
Would you be terribly offended if I said Blaze has the same face as Kay? ... LOL.
He's such a handsome little dude. Can't wait to see what those ears will look like. I love the fawns.
Kay is such a beautiful dobe! How could I be offended? LOL
That are great news, if he dosen't like it be rubbed, just put a bit on the scabbed edges, it made it a bit softer and it heals nicer. i never used the cone of shame at all when they got their ears done, because it will be rubbing on the ears and i thought it can't be very comfy for them. You need to teach blaze to get his ears touched, because as soon they are healed, you will touch them a lot with the posting and its not fun for both of you, if he is fighting it and dosen't sit still LOL
Aesa and Apollo were sitting on the sofa and just let me post those ears, never had a problem with it and they still love to get their ears rubbed from time to time. Start now and you wont have a problem with it when you really need it :)
Fred&Jenn
04-19-2011, 12:33 PM
Oh he loves to have his ears rubbed and massaged, its just that he don't like it now since they hurt, lol. His ears are all scabbed up along the edges and they are a little sensitive to him. Once the stitches come out and the scabbing starts healing more he won't mind it at all.:)
von Cosack Dobermann
04-19-2011, 12:56 PM
Yes what Tina said!!!!! Theres gonna be times when this lil pup isn't gonna want to do one thing or another........................To Bad!!!!! Learn now that when its time to get something done the owner (You) is gonna get it done and the pup (Blaze) could kiss....................tt!!!!! Thats the way it has to be or this breed will run you over. Now heres an exercise to start right now, come up with a word to use for the pup to lay still for examination. An easy way to teach this is to put the pup up on a table where they won't be as comfortable as on the floor. This exercise is to exam ears, throat, trimming nails etc. I use the word
belly" hahahaha I can't remember why belly but thats it. You'll find it very helpfull for vet visits or an injury. Just another command demonstrating control. Von
they might be a bit sensitive, but they shouldn't hurt.VC gave you a good idea how to teach Blaze those things.What i did when they were little was messing with their paws, the mouth, the ears, the ears. I can get Aesa and tell her to show me her teeth and she will let me check them, i grab her paws and she wont mind and like VC said, very important when they get older and have to go to the vet, makes it eaier on you, the vet and the dog. Just put a bit of the neosporin on the edges, no need to rub, just to get the scabs loose and they will fell off and like VC said, you are the boss. Apollo can complain how he wants if i dremmel his nails, i do it. he will lay there on the sofa, mumbling and complaining, but he knows, it dosentmatter, i'll finish it, but thats only i teached those things from early on :)
I agree what Debi says and the ears shouldn't be sore, i never gave painmeds after the crop. My did just fine without it, same with getting neuter, no pain meds needed.
And Debi explained the reason why you should put some lotion or oitment on it, because i forgot to say why LOL ;)
Fred&Jenn
04-21-2011, 11:14 AM
Tomorrow we go back to the vet. Wooohooo.
Blaze's ears are looking really good today! We've been taking the neck thing off during the day. He likes that, lol.
Fred&Jenn
04-21-2011, 11:22 AM
Here he is....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/agriv8n/010-3.jpg
von Cosack Dobermann
04-21-2011, 11:29 AM
They look good, nice and tight and clean. I never give pain meds unless its a serious case, croppings and dockings are nothing for a Dobermann to get through plus a pain med can mask if there is any pain. You want to know if the pup is in pain so you never give meds unless you SEE pain. Scratching and fussing over discomfort doesn't call for your puppy to be doped up. Listen to the veterans here. Tina just went through posting with Aesa and I have posted a thousand puppies over the years, your doing just fine. He looks fine and now the posting begins soooooon!!!! Von
Fred&Jenn
04-21-2011, 11:36 AM
Thanks VC, I was hoping you'd give your thoughts here. We don't give him any pain meds now. The vet did give us some for him but after the first few days we stopped. He's completely fine without them.
Yes....the posting starts soon. We are hoping it won't be too harsh on all of us! :)
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