A review of medically unnecessary surgeries in dogs and cats

Mills, Katelyn E.; Keyserlingk, Marina A. G. von; Niel, Lee

doi:10.2460/javma.248.2.162

Cited by 13 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 45 publications

(50 reference statements)

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“…Several arguments are promulgated in support of ear cropping, including reduced ear infections. 1 However, the dog types identified in this study were not breeds generally considered to be predisposed to such infections. 19 Instead, except for one pastoral and one utility breed, all cases were traditionally guarding or hunting breeds.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

“…Ear cropping, or amputating a dog's pinnae and training any remaining pinna to stand erect, originated as a way to reduce pinna injury during dog fighting and hunting. 1 Some advocates also suggest that it reduces susceptibility to otitis and improves hearing, though supporting evidence is lacking. Those against ear cropping raise concerns that it may infringe a dog's freedom from pain, injury and disease and freedom to express natural behaviour.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dogs with cropped ears in the UK: A population‐based study using electronic health records

et al. 2023

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Background: Ear cropping for cosmetic purposes was made illegal in the UK in 2006. Despite this, a lack of import regulations and celebrity and media influences mean cropped dogs are increasingly reported. Methods: The demographics, temporal trends and patient-level associated factors for dogs with cropped ears were evaluated in a large sentinel population of dogs visiting UK veterinary practices. Results: A total of 132 dogs with cropped ears were identified, with rates peaking in 2021. In 84 cases (63.6%), there was evidence of importation, most commonly from countries where cropping is also illegal, including Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Spain, Poland and Ireland. American Bulldogs, Dobermanns, Italian Mastiffs (Cane Corso), Bulldogs and Mastiffs were all significantly overrepresented. Affected dogs were more likely to be unneutered (odds ratio 11.04, 95% confidence interval 5. 84-20.90). Limitations:The study likely underestimates true levels of ear cropping. Identified cases are from a sentinel network of veterinary practices, and as such may not be representative of the wider UK population. Conclusion: These data suggest a need to educate owners and veterinary surgeons about the welfare and legal implications of ear cropping. The data presented can inform future targeted policies in veterinary practices and at a governmental level.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dogs with cropped ears in the UK: A population‐based study using electronic health records

et al. 2023

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“…In Roman times, dogs had their tails docked as a means to decrease the spread of rabies [ 9 ], while ear cropping was practiced to prevent ear damage during fighting and hunting [ 10 ]. Today the reasons given for these surgical alterations include prevention of tail injury [ 11 ], decreased ear infections, breed conformity and a breeder’s right to choose [ 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Today the reasons given for these surgical alterations include prevention of tail injury [ 11 ], decreased ear infections, breed conformity and a breeder’s right to choose [ 12 ]. However, there is very little research assessing the validity of these assertions [ 10 , 13 ]. Despite this lack of evidence, ear cropping and tail docking have become defining features of many dog breeds.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tail Docking and Ear Cropping Dogs: Public Awareness and Perceptions

2016

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Tail docking and ear cropping are two surgical procedures commonly performed on many dog breeds. These procedures are classified as medically unnecessary surgeries whose purpose is primarily cosmetic. Available attitude research surrounding these controversial practices has been limited to surveys of veterinarians and dog breeders familiar with both practices. The aim of this project was to: 1) assess public awareness of tail docking and ear cropping, 2) determine whether physical alteration of a dog affects how the dog, and 3) owner are perceived. In Experiment 1 awareness was measured using a combination of both explicit and implicit measures. We found that 42% of participants (n = 810) were unable to correctly explain the reason why tail docked and ear cropped dogs had short ears and tails. Similarly, an implicit measure of awareness (‘nature vs nurture task’), found that the majority of participants believed short tails and erect ears were a consequence of genetics rather than something the owner or breeder had done. The results obtained in Experiment 2 (n = 392) provide evidence that ear cropped and tail docked dogs are perceived differently than an identical dog in its ‘natural’ state. Modified dogs were perceived as being more aggressive, more dominant, less playful and less attractive than natural dogs. Experiment 3 (n = 410) is the first evidence that owners of modified dogs are perceived as being more aggressive, more narcissistic, less playful, less talkative and less warm compared to owners of natural dogs. Taken together, these results suggest that although a significant proportion of subjects appear unaware of the practices of tail docking and ear cropping in dogs, these procedures have significant impacts on how modified dogs and their owners are perceived by others.

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Nuisance/Destructive/Unruly Behaviors

Malamed¹,

Sueda²

2022

Clinical Handbook of Feline Behavior Medicine

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A review of medically unnecessary surgeries in dogs and cats

Cited by 13 publications

References 45 publications

Dogs with cropped ears in the UK: A population‐based study using electronic health records

Dogs with cropped ears in the UK: A population‐based study using electronic health records

Tail Docking and Ear Cropping Dogs: Public Awareness and Perceptions

Nuisance/Destructive/Unruly Behaviors

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