Otoplasty - Ear Crop

Ear Crop, formally known as Otoplasty is the trimming of the pinna (ear flap) for health and cosmetic purposes in dogs. The main purpose of ear cropping is to alter the shape of the ear flap to make the flap stand erect.

At Rose City Veterinary Hospital we strive to provide a breeder and breed friendly environment.  Over the past two years Dr. Bleifer has evolved Dr. LaBounty’s ear crop procedure to align with the technology of today. We place a strong emphasis on pre- and post- operative pain management; and make the commitment as a team to provide the best quality care for our patients.

• Doberman Pinscher
• Boxers
• Cane Corso
• Great Dane
• Mini, Standard, Giant Schnauzer
• American Staffordshire
• Gampre Caucasian Shepherd
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Briards
• Pitbull and American Bully
• We crop 20 different breeds, as well as perform the ear drop, and implant procedures. Please call our office to check if your breed is on that list.

Once your appointment has been scheduled we require a $100.00 non-refundable deposit to schedule your pets surgical appointment. All documents will be sent to you as an attachment to this confirmation email. Please print and fill out the documents prior to your pets appointment. You can either send them back to our office via email (which is very helpful) or bring them to your scheduled visit. 

On the day of appointment please follow the instructions sent to you in the confirmation email. Once in the office, you will check-in with one of our client care representatives at the check in window. They will process and review your file and notify the surgical nurse that you have arrived. You will meet with one of Otoplasty nurses to discuss what crop would best suit your pet.  Your pet will then be admitted for their surgical procedure. Our surgical nursing team will place an IV-Catheter and get your pet ready for their surgical procedure. Your pet should be ready to go home between 5:00 pm and 5:45 pm. Your pet’s pick-up time is subject to change, all emergency cases take precedence to surgical procedures.

Aftercare can be a long process.  Ears standing involves many variables. It depends on the breed, the length of your pet’s ears, the thickness of the cartilage,  as well as your cooperation.  Please know that your pet is expected to have a new ear taping weekly until their ears stand, and to remain clean and dry while in tape.  This is a commitment and will involve a team effort.

We do not recommend at home ear taping unless you are experienced. At home ear taping may result in permanent damage to your pet’s ear. We also do not recommend watching YouTube videos that show you how to perform ear taping. We have witnessed clients follow these tutorial videos and lose the tips of the dogs ears due to improper taping technique.

When considering cropping your pets ears you should know that it is a commitment that is made between you the pet owner, and Rose City Veterinary Hospital.  The desired results are not guaranteed and do not happen overnight. You may be taping for a series of months before the ears stand as desired.