Our Vet Says Will Not Crop Until 16wks.?

Jags_Mommy · #1 7th June 2004, 04:58 PM

Hello, Just preparing for the future for our new puppy and contacted our pets Dr. ( our vet) who by the way is one of the only Dr.'s in my area that does cropping. He has been cropping for years and says he will not crop before 16 wks. And only after seeing the pup 1 mth prior to surgery and when he is satified that the ears are capable of a good crop.

Now, reading on here nearly everyone says that 12 wks. is the cutoff date for cropping. I don't know what to do???

We have had this vet for all of our pets and he is a very picky and reliable Dr. I asked why he would not do them before and he said that the puppy is cutting teeth prior to this time and that the ears would not stand up properly if done earlier.

He is the only Dr. in a large network of professional Vets that does the procedure. What do we do?? Should we search for another Dr. who will do it earlier? But, who will be hours away from our home for the retapping procedures with aftercare?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Roxydog · #2 7th June 2004, 11:49 PM

Have you seen any photos of this vets work?? Any reputable cropping vet will have a portfolio of past clients. If his boxer crop looks like the style that you would like...then I guess he knows what he is talking about. I would have my reservations about going to this vet if I were you. I know my vet would absolutely REFUSE to crop a 16 wk old boxer...no exceptions. However I've seen many a 16 wk. old pit bull pup get cropped. I have a hard time believing that you will get the taller style boxer crop to stand properly if you crop the pup at that old of an age. What I could see is you ending up with a boxer baby with a pit bull crop...that would be very unflattering. Maybe this vet of yours just doesnt see to many boxers and isnt used to the longer crop. I really do suggest asking for photos.

Jags_Mommy · #3 8th June 2004, 09:50 AM

You are absolutely right. I will be sure to ask for pictures and I am not wanting the pit crop at all. I telephoned again and the Dr. does have pictures we can look at. Thanks so much for your advice Roxydog.

VTbxrFan · #4 8th June 2004, 10:35 AM

Try talking to some of the breeders in the area to see if they have recommendations. Also ask this vet if he will give you references so you can talk to. Pictures are certainly helpful, but it will probably be helpful to be able to talk to people and find out if they were happy with the surgery.

Roxydog · #5 8th June 2004, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ********************

i'd contact your local boxer club, or even a doberman pincher club and get referrals from both. I'm sure they will be very helpful.

This is great advice...that's how I found my vet! My breeder suggested a vet that was about 2 hours from where I live and since I wanted help with the aftercare and taping, that vet was a bit inconvenient. I called my local boxer cub and they had a list of reputable cropping vets.

Jags_Mommy · #6 8th June 2004, 02:08 PM

Well, I have to thank you all for the great advice. I contacted a few breeders and the boxer club closest to my area (didn't know it was there). Three of them pointed me to a Dr. about 2 1/2 hours from our home that is "very good at cropping".

I telephoned this doctor and he will crop between 6 & 9 wks., has photos of his work and came highly recommended. We pick our Jag up at the end of 7 wks. so I will be making our appointment before 9 wks.

Also this Dr. will do a neuter at the same time as we do not intend to stud him out. Just want a healthy, handsome companion.

Thank you for all the great ideas I really appreciate all of your help it makes preparing for our puppy so much easier to have you all to chat with.

meb0585 · #7 18th June 2004, 12:02 PM

Just a quick question............you said the vet is going to neuter him at the same time? I am probably wrong, but isn't that a little young to be neutered................I know our vet told us we have to wait until Layla is at least 5-6 months old before she can be spayed. Is it different for boys? Just wondering!

Mallory

Alisha Mobley · #8 18th June 2004, 01:41 PM

Some vets will do early s/n (8 wks of age). If testicles have not dropped by then, I'd imagine the vet would want to wait.

Jags_Mommy · #9 18th June 2004, 07:27 PM

But I talked to the Dr. himself and he assured me that a full physical examination would be done prior to surgery and if he did not feel he was ready he would not perform the surgery.

Also, we are having the extended blood tests (optional) done too to check for any other possible complications. And Doc assured me he does not use ACE (pre-surgical) either.

Don't worry I will be on top of things and be sure to look out for our little guy. And besides I have done enough worrying for the entire boxerworld site to date. Believe me I am scared and hope all goes well. He has already stolen our hearts and he is not even living with us yet. We look so forward to our visits with him. He now recognizes us when he sees us and I can't tell you how he melts our hearts. He is just the most wonderful little bundle of joy!! I'm sure you all know what I am talking about.

If it was up to me I would leave his ears natural but Dad really wants them done. Dad didn't want to neuter him but I insist on it for Jag's health and happiness. Dad has people telling him, "don't neuter him he would make great offspring", but like I told my husband they do not have to live with all the future problems that may arise due to not neutering.