Is it the pain?

Mrs_pbradley936

Further to the thread about the Boxer not being docked, can I ask those that have a strong opinion on the topic of optional surgery for animals (by that I mean that the dog or whatever is not in danger of immediate death without it) whether pain is an issue? The reason I ask is because the dog that had its ears done was under anaesthetic at the time so he did not feel a thing. For those that did not read that thread I have a friend in the USA that has recently had their Doberman puppy’s ear made erect (by a vet). I would assume that most procedures are carried out under anaesthetic and those that are not such as docking are because it is not thought to be necessary – I gather that some vets can do it and the pups do not even wake up but others cannot do it without the pups screaming. But I am not talking about docking because that argument is over it cannot be done end of story.

Also some breeds such as Bulldogs would probably not survive left to Mother Nature because she does not perform caesareans so breeds with huge heads and small pelvises could not continue for generations without human intervention. Are vets actually doing the animals a disservice in the long run by performing a c-section as a matter of routine?

Buddy_Banana

My dobe has floppy ears
I know most dobes in USA do have their ears done but it is something they get the vets to do properly, the tail docking seems to be more of an issue cos the breeders do it sometimes without any sort of pain relief...

My dobe has a docked tail which I didn't really think about before I went to see him but the breeder had had it done by a vet and also the de-clawing, his ears however are and will remain floppy )

I would have had my dobe, tail or not as I think he's just such a lovely dog and the physical look is not an issue to me.

I'm not sure what the reason for ear docking actually is, I think it is just a cosmetic thing but my dobe has to have floppy ears cos his name is Dobby (from harry potter) all due to his big floppy ears! lol

pboae

Ear cropping has been banned in the UK since the end of the 19th Century.

I have more sympathy with docking (which at least serves a purpose in some hunting breeds). Ears were originally cropped in guarding and fighting breeds, especially for blood sports, because ears are an easy target. Erect ears also give the dog a more aggressive look, to other dogs.

Cropping can have serious complications, from repeated ear infections to super sensitivity around the scarred areas, and even seizures (probably due to infections).

So aside from the pain and discomfort of an entirely pointless cosmetic procedure, my main objection is that for dogs like Boxers and bull breeds who's natural stance can appear aggressive to other dogs, croppinng and docking makes the problem so much worse. It makes it harder for the dog to socialise with other dogs, and increases the likliehood of a fighting breaking out. Purely because the cropped/docked dog is more likely to be misread.

Buddy_Banana

yes, I've heard of the infections too but I'd not heard of seizures due to this, I didn't know it was already banned in the UK and I like them with the floppy ears

Mrs_pbradley936

I saw a Great Dane with erect ears once in London, the owner had bought him in Germany when he was living there. I must confess that I had given the matter of surgery to dogs much thought, I just assumed that they came like that or not. A bit like you can get some breeds with a short coat and some with a long coat. Also a dog which came from my own dog’s litter had one floppy ear and one erect ear (German Shepherd).

RooBee

Tail docking/dew claw removal is done in puppies at 2-3 days of age as the central nervous system (and therefore pain receptors) is not yet fully developed, hence there is no need for anasthesia. Ear cropping is done in older, fully developed, pups/dogs.

The Bulldogs as it is today is far removed from the original Bulldogs which were taller, leaner and more athletic without the very exaggerated muzzle etc we know today. The breed has been developed by man to have exaggerated features, some of which contribute to its many health difficulties. The 'alternative' breeds of Bulldog (American, Old Tyme etc) have become popular among breeders who are seeking to recreate something more like the original dog. However, not all Bulldogs require c-sections and some lines are more able to self-whelp than others with some breeders actively seeking to develop this further which is only to be encouraged, IMO.