Cropped ear dilemma!

[Amber Hickman]

We got our cane corso from a breeder who had our pups ears cropped before we picked her up. They were cropped on Saturday and when we picked her up on that following Wednesday her ears had not been cared for and ended up being infected
She was put on antibiotics and we followed vets instructions not to mess with the ears because of the pain it was causing the pup. Ears are healing nicely and one ear stands but the other folds down. I’ve been massaging them regularly but it seems like the non standing ear has healed into a folded position. Is there a way to correct this without causing her any more pain?

 

[Boxergirl]

We got our cane corso from a breeder who had our pups ears cropped before we picked her up. They were cropped on Saturday and when we picked her up on that following Wednesday her ears had not been cared for and ended up being infected
She was put on antibiotics and we followed vets instructions not to mess with the ears because of the pain it was causing the pup. Ears are healing nicely and one ear stands but the other folds down. I’ve been massaging them regularly but it seems like the non standing ear has healed into a folded position. Is there a way to correct this without causing her any more pain?

Hi Amber, and welcome to the forum. I don't have a Corso, but I do have some experience with infected ear crops. I had a foster boxer that had his ears cropped with scissors into a battle type crop. When I pulled him from the shelter his ears were very infected. The "crop" was uneven, to put it mildly. He did end up having quite a bit of scar tissue and sensitivity, especially in the one ear that was the worst. That doesn't help you with what your actual questions is, but I wanted to share because I would suggest that start now working on any ear handling being a very positive experience.

Now for some practical questions. How old is your girl? Teething can make really funky things happen to the ears whether they're cropped or not. Thickness of ear leather also makes a big difference. I also wonder if the vet the breeder used was experienced doing the type of ear crop your dog has. That can make a difference as well. Massage never makes things worse, imo, but do be careful if it causes her pain. I can't address posting as I've only had experience with long show crops on boxers and that's very different.

Good luck and we'd sure enjoy a picture or two.

 

[Richie]

Hi Amber, I know how frustrating this can be because my experience was very similar. The good news is the answer to your question is yes, you can correct her ears without causing her more pain.

First, I can't tell from your post when the ears were done but you want to make sure the ears are healed completely. If they are, massage them while pulling up on them for a few minutes several times a day. If they are not healed this could hurt her, otherwise it shouldn't.

Second, If the ears are folded on top of the head, follow this thread: https://www.mastiff-forum.com/index.php?threads/ear-cropping-dilema.31762/. You can that for several months I didn't work with getting my dogs ears to stand. Even though my dog was almost 8 months before I got serious about working on his ears it only took about two weeks to get them to stand.

In this thread there is a link to a youtube video I found very helpful, Some words of encouragement from other members, you will see a picture of my dog's ear folded on his head and you'll see a picture of the ears after they were taped for 1.5 to 2 weeks.

If the ears are folded the opposite direction, try this video:

I'm convinced had I stuck with it when he was younger his ear would have been standing much sooner.

Based on what I went through and the final outcome, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I hope this helps.