Dark hard spot on edge of ear after removing posts?? Please help asap!

[Bandit1212]

I have been posting Bandits ears for about 3-4 weeks and changing the posts every 4 days using the backer rod method. Everything’s been going really smooth until today. I removed the glued posts using uni-solv extremely carefully but his right ear started bleeding for the first time. At first I thought maybe the glue pulled off a layer of skin or something, but then after a few hours it turned to this black painful hard area that can’t be removed with ear wipes or anything. I am really freaked out and worried about him. I’m not sure what to do, how to avoid it from happening again, or if it will heal on its own.

Has anyone seen or dealt with anything like this?

I don’t wrap the tape tight, I am extremely careful… I don’t know what it could be. His right ear is now flopping a little about halfway up his ear. If anyone could please chime in I’d really appreciate it so much. Thank you.

 

[Ravenbird]

I could be wrong, but it looks like necrosis - dead tissue. This can happen even when you are careful not to wrap too tight. If the tape gets wet it can shrink or if it stays on too long it can get pulled or pushed and put a pressure point on the ear.

 

[Bandit1212]

I could be wrong, but it looks like necrosis - dead tissue. This can happen even when you are careful not to wrap too tight. If the tape gets wet it can shrink or if it stays on too long it can get pulled or pushed and put a pressure point on the ear.

That’s what I was worried to hear, because I thought the same thing when I saw the color. I feel freakin terrible. Does it need to be removed before it spreads? I am absolutely devastated that I hurt my little guy like this.

I wrapped it on Saturday night and removed it Tuesday afternoon. I was trying to do it that frequently so that I can catch something if it happens before it gets bad.

 

[Ravenbird]

I don't know the procedure to take care of it, just don't post it or cover it until you get vets instruction. Hopefully someone with more ear experience will chime in pretty soon. I know you must feel terrible, but just move forward with this and do the best you can. He's a darling looking puppy and he and you will be fine in the long run.

My breeder wanted me to re-do posts daily to prevent any mishaps, but everyone else recommended 3 days. I ended up changing them every other day, sometimes going 3 days, which was still more often than most people.

 

[Firestar Dobe]

I always changed the posts every 2 days as well, once in a while I would go 3 days. My concern is that this may spread. I would get to the Vet asap! Let us know what happens!

 

[JanS]

I agree that a vet visit is in order. I definitely wouldn't put tape over that area so maybe you could try the zip tie method until it heals.