1. Sutures will probably be removed from the edge of the ear about 7-10 days after surgery. The ears are usually re-taped 2-3 days after suture removal (check with your vet to know exactly what schedule he or she prefers). During this time, the puppy should be separated from other dogs if possible to prevent them from licking the exposed sutures thus delaying healing and causing excessive scar tissue formation which, in many instances, will prevent the ears from standing properly.
2. During the interval between suture removal and the time re-taping is scheduled, massage the healing edges of the ear twice daily using vaseline as a lubricant. Employ a stretching motion as you massage to help prevent scarring as healing progresses. DO NOT use vaseline on the day of re-taping or the tape will not stick to the ear. The ears must be kept CLEAN and DRY both before and after re-taping. If they get wet after re-taping, remove the tape IMMEDIATELY and either take the dog to the vet for re-taping or, if you are SURE you know how to properly do so, re-tape the ears yourself (see taping instructions below). If you re-tape yourself, DO NOT cover the exposed sutures at the base of the ear.
3. Avoid playing with the puppy excessively while he is learing to perk the ears up. If you play excessively, you puppy will instinctively pull the ears down. Avoid “rough-housing”. Try to get your puppy to pick the ears up as often as possible by making unusual noises or blowing a whistle to get his attention.
4. On rare occasions, a puppy will develop a soft, pliable, thick cartilage wich simply does not have the ability to stand and the ears will never stand properly.
5. Some puppys simply are not all that interested in what is going on around them and do not try to work their ears by perking them up. If your puppy displays this behavior, use a silent dog whistle and any other means possible to try to stimulate some interest in perking the ears up.
6. Ears which are continously wet after taping are very slow to stand. The cartilage loses its rigidity and develops scar tissue formation. Keep the ears CLEAN and DRY!!
7. If your puppy is hyperactive and insists on scratching at the bandages the first week following surgery, give him from ½ of a 5 grain ASPIRIN, not acetominophen (acetominophen like that found in Tylenol, IS TOXIC TO A DOG). Many times, the aspirin will reduce inflammation and alleviate the itching associated with the sutures and bandages. Administer up to one full 5 grain aspirin every 4-6 hours.
8. If you work with your puppy and your puppy works with you, the ears should stand well in several weeks to 1 or 2 months with a minimal amount of discomfort to you or to the puppy.
9. Baby socks taped over the rear paws or a hand towel rolled like a donut and pinned around the neck will help prevent the puppy from scratching at its ears and pulling out the sutures. NOTE: ELIZABETHAN COLLARS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED by Spear-Bar Kennels!
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