[Alfie Basset]

Alfie has always had a problem with his ears. His nose is always on the ground so he treads on his ears, this results in him grazing the bottoms. 2 weeks ago he cut 1 so badly it wouldn't stop bleeding so we took him to the vets, by the time we got there it had stopped. The vet prescribed antibiotics and suggested we had an operation to shorten his beloved ears!!!! The ears are fine now, but I just wondered if anyone else had encountered this problem or heard of trimming a bassets ears ? His ears dont appear to be overlong infact Barneys are much longer and he never has this problem. Any suggestions please? Surely trimming an ear is like docking a tail??

 

[Sadeyes]

Naughty Basset, what age is he? The reason I ask is because I know of a basset here who that used to happen to up until she was about 1year or so,but she outgrew her ears and it stopped. She had been to the vet about it but don't think it was ever suggested to trim the dog's ears,sounds a bit drastic. Has the vet checked him to see if there is an underlying problem that could be causing this? Hope it can be solved without surgery.

 

[Alfie Basset]

He is 2yrs 6 mnths ..... so I think if he was gonna grow out of he would have by now?? It does seem a bit drastic and not a road we want to go down really.

 

[Anonymous]

hve ever ead of such thing HAVE YOU TRIED SNOODS? yvonne

 

[Alfie Basset]

We usually put the foot of a pair of tights over his head .... but being a basset they dont stay on for long!!

 

[murraysmom]

Shortening his ears!! Good Lord!! Has your vet ever treated a basset before?! When I have Murray out on the gamelands in the winter chasing rabbits his nose is to the ground and his ears drag on the ice and leave a blood trail- I was worried at first so I do understand your reaction:it can be alarming to see blood when their ears get a little banged up. But they heal over in no time flat- don't worry, it won't hurt them- they were bred as hunting dogs and are pretty tough-

 

[Alfie Basset]

He says he has performed this op before!!!! I must admit my faith in him is dwindling.

 

[roscoe/lori]

I can't believe that vet would even suggest such a thing ! I learned recently that their ears are long for a reason. It was said that we a basset puts its nose to the ground to smell those ears gone down close to the nose and it helps bring the smells in more. I know I would have been scared too if that would have happened to one of my babies. If I were you I would get a 2nd opinion.

 

[JoniFog]

I can't believe a vet would suggest this either! That's horrible! Long ears are one of the endearing traits of a basset hound!

The snood sounds like a great idea! Give it a try.

 

[AmyB]

Shortening ears seems a bit drastic! I have seen Dobermans after they have had their ears cut. It is pitiful. They are clearly in pain.

 

[Sandy and Bo]

just get another vet. :roll:

Sandy

 

[Anonymous]

That's the stupidist thing I've ever heard! This is where my husband would say, "why don't you tell us how you REALLY feel!" ha! ;-)

That being said, Ruby used to carry her ears in her mouth as a puppy, she's 7 and still steps on them. They get in the food, they get in the water, I wipe them off every time she comes in from outside.

 

[Basset Momma]

Just finished cleaning Sami's ears before reading this. She has never injured them... but I would not use that vet! That's the craziest thing I've heard...

 

[Mom2Scully]

Oh my....I'd be a little worried about the competence of my vet if she recommended trimming my basset's ears. I've had random people suggest that before :roll: , but it's especially odd coming from a vet!

When Scully was a youngster, she also used to get boo-boos on the bottoms of her ears from stepping on them etc. The first time it happened we were freaking out a bit 'cause we saw trails of blood on the floor, but didn't know where it was coming from. Then we realized it was her ears; those things bleed quite a bit when they get scraped! She still steps on them at the age of 7, but not to the point of drawing blood thankfully.

 

[Milly and Lily]

I'd find another vet. That is like saying lets remove their nose because they sniff too much.
Lily used to tread on her own ears but has learned not to step on them. I have a friend whose basset even chews on his own ears at times, but never would I even entertain the thought of altering any dogs ears especially a basset. He can't be a basset without his ears.
The ears help the scent stay close to the nose.
How did his ear get torn, maybe he needs a nail trimming. I am appalled that your vet would even say such a thing! It cruel.

 

[Elvismom]

When I worked for the vet she refused to do any cutting/shaping/surgery on ears!! It's a very painful procedure. I also agree with everyone else that a basset's ears should be left as nature made them. I truly think surgery would be cruel and unnecessary.

 

[Alfie Basset]

Thankyou all sooooooo much for your comments!!!!! I thought the vets comments were a bit extreme and there was NO WAY we would let our baby get his ears trimmed (unless necessary). I have to say my husband probably panics more over "the bassets" than I do !!!! (doesnt mean I luv them less). I did think he was gonna rip the vets head off at this suggestion!!!
Unfortunately I think too many vets are in it for the money! Thanx once again fellow Basset Lovers! xx

 

[JoniFog]

I STILL can't imagine any vet even mentioning such a thing! The old custodian at my school said he had a friend that had his basset de-barked! I was absolutely livid hearing this! Good doG!

 

[DinahBeans]

Well I second, third, and fourth all of these replies - trimming a bassets ears just seems ridiculous and even cruel. I can't imagine anyone suggesting that and I'd really like to know what basset owner let your vet perform this operation on his/her dog in the past!! I don't even agree with what they do to Boxer's ears (which is a breed standard) because I've heard it's one of the most painful operations any dog ever goes through. I would definitely get another vet and soon before you are in a position where you really need one!

Having said this I haven't had any personal experience with ear injuries on either of the bassets I've owned. I'm sure it was scary to see so much blood there and I'm sure you did the right thing by taking him to the vet. I am just so happy you second guessed your vet and didn't go ahead with an ear operation - it truly scares me to realize that there are so many owners out there who might have (innocently) trusted that vet and not asked questions the way you did.

There simply has to be a better way to protect his ears...and I'm really wishing your vet knew that too!

Melanie (Dinah'sMom)

 

[sanjoh]

I agree with everyone here! Don't do it! I had a rottie and kept his tail, the mere thought of docking his was abhorrent to me. I later found out that many rotties suffered infections and health problems as their tails were docked incorrectly and for what ?? breed standard ? Who gives a hoot, they are born with tails so let them keep them! Bassets have long ears for a reason.. heck I want to dock your vet I am so livid!!!