The removal of the 'flap' of the ear of a dog is known as ear cropping. This practice involves cutting of the pinnae or auricle part of the ear, usually by a veterinary surgeon however can be done in amateur circumstances. It is a procedure which has been performed on dogs for hundreds of years.
The history of this procedure is long. Historically, dogs which were bred for fighting had often had their ears cropped. These fights were not just professional fights, but dogs which defended livestock from wild animals or helped with hunting. This is because owners believed the ears were very vulnerable in a fight, as they could be pulled, ripped or torn. Many of these dogs were also used for bear baiting or normal dog fights, and so had this operation for the same reason.
Cosmetic cropping has become much more popular in the last hundred years. Some owners believe that having the procedure performed on their dog makes them look better, and will help them perform to a better standard in competitions. Dogs which often receive the procedure for this reason are often pure breeds such as Great Danes and Boxers. Many competitors claim they would not perform cropping on their dogs if they could still win, however competitions are still often biased towards those dogs who have undergone the procedure.
The medical reasons for the cropping of a dog's ears have been questioned, however many supporters claim that it can be beneficial. Some claim that it can improve the hearing of a dog, as the flap may obstruct the sound entering the ear. Some owners have also claimed they had the surgery done to prevent their dogs getting ear infections, and to prevent the dog pain in later life if the ear should become trapped or caught on something.
Because of the lack of evidence for the need for the procedure, a majority countries have banned it from being performed on dogs. Countries who have not yet restricted it include Egypt and the United States of America. However, in the latter, some states such as New York have passed bills restricting the practice.
'Cosmetic Otoplasty' is the technical name for the operation in which part of the dog's ear is removed. It is traditionally performed when the dog is between the ages of seven to twelve weeks old. After this it may be much more painful and distressful for the dog. This is because the ears continue to develop right into adulthood, and therefore as they are thicker, it is more difficult to cut. Two thirds of the pinnae are taken away, and the remaining part of the ear is stitched.
There have been questions raised about the procedure concerning the animal welfare of the dogs which undergo this surgery. There is not enough evidence suggesting that it is beneficial to the dog for some people, and therefore they claim it should be banned. On the other hand, many claim that if the procedure is done by a professional and the dog given pain medication, the dog will not feel pain and it will not be affected.
The Ear Cropping of dogs is a subject which has been under intense debate in recent times, however it is an ongoing tradition dating back to ancient times. With many countries banning the procedure, it is probably safe to say that controversy over cosmetic otoplasty will continue for many years to come.
The history of this procedure is long. Historically, dogs which were bred for fighting had often had their ears cropped. These fights were not just professional fights, but dogs which defended livestock from wild animals or helped with hunting. This is because owners believed the ears were very vulnerable in a fight, as they could be pulled, ripped or torn. Many of these dogs were also used for bear baiting or normal dog fights, and so had this operation for the same reason.
Cosmetic cropping has become much more popular in the last hundred years. Some owners believe that having the procedure performed on their dog makes them look better, and will help them perform to a better standard in competitions. Dogs which often receive the procedure for this reason are often pure breeds such as Great Danes and Boxers. Many competitors claim they would not perform cropping on their dogs if they could still win, however competitions are still often biased towards those dogs who have undergone the procedure.
The medical reasons for the cropping of a dog's ears have been questioned, however many supporters claim that it can be beneficial. Some claim that it can improve the hearing of a dog, as the flap may obstruct the sound entering the ear. Some owners have also claimed they had the surgery done to prevent their dogs getting ear infections, and to prevent the dog pain in later life if the ear should become trapped or caught on something.
Because of the lack of evidence for the need for the procedure, a majority countries have banned it from being performed on dogs. Countries who have not yet restricted it include Egypt and the United States of America. However, in the latter, some states such as New York have passed bills restricting the practice.
'Cosmetic Otoplasty' is the technical name for the operation in which part of the dog's ear is removed. It is traditionally performed when the dog is between the ages of seven to twelve weeks old. After this it may be much more painful and distressful for the dog. This is because the ears continue to develop right into adulthood, and therefore as they are thicker, it is more difficult to cut. Two thirds of the pinnae are taken away, and the remaining part of the ear is stitched.
There have been questions raised about the procedure concerning the animal welfare of the dogs which undergo this surgery. There is not enough evidence suggesting that it is beneficial to the dog for some people, and therefore they claim it should be banned. On the other hand, many claim that if the procedure is done by a professional and the dog given pain medication, the dog will not feel pain and it will not be affected.
The Ear Cropping of dogs is a subject which has been under intense debate in recent times, however it is an ongoing tradition dating back to ancient times. With many countries banning the procedure, it is probably safe to say that controversy over cosmetic otoplasty will continue for many years to come.
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