Ear Crop Sutures Left in for Months

[MickyG]

Hi guys
I’m looking at taking in a Doberman (7 months old) and as I was chatting to the current owner and asking about the puppies ears, she said the reason they were standing was because NONE of the sutures had been removed. They have been there for about 4 months.
If I end up taking in the dog, of course I will take her to the vet to get a professional evaluation. But what can I expect? I assume this will mean her ears will flop?
It anyone could offer some insight that would be amazing

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota!

A vets opinion is a good idea. Those sutures could be grown into her ears so it could be tricky. I have no idea how long the crop is or how the cartilage is so if you have any photos it would be helpful. You might still have a chance at getting them to stand if she's only 7 months old.

 

[Ddski5]

At 7months old and ears are standing, then that’s actually a good thing. Not that I would do it that way though.

I think your bigger issue will be getting the sutures out for the skin may all be grown over.

If the vet gets the sutures out, then all you really need to do is to start posting. Kinda sounds as if the ear cartilage has hardened somewhat if they are standing now

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Wow. Never heard of something exactly like this – sutures left in causing the ears to stand. I wonder if they could be left in there for a lifetime successfully. I wonder if there are significant bumps visible or the ends of the sutures poking out.

 

[Kswoodssue]

Some sutures are self absorbing. If they have been in that long without infection or irritation, I would be surprised, and I would not think sutures alone would make then stand unless there is scar tissue? In any event, interesting.

 

[Ravenbird]

Super short or military crops could stand without posting, Sutures left in would not hold up a longer crop, or at least I wouldn't think so. If there is no infection and ears are healed, maybe more trauma to try to dig out old sutures? Vet opinion would be needed. Let us know if you end up getting this puppy - we'd love to see pictures!

 

[Two Dobes]

I had never heard of that....looking forward to what your vet says, and photos of your new friend!!!