Originally Posted by Deuce (Post 3357144)

I know freak accidents do happen, but a rubber band could not under any circumstance "jump" from a bow located in the center (ish) of his head, to around his ear and cut off circulation. Do you have a child running around your home, have you asked them what they were up to?
I don't' think the "wait and see" is a good method, if 2/3 doctors said amputate I'd take it off, not wait to see if there is an infection and have it spread and instead of just loosing a tip of his ear he looses the whole thing...or his life. With all of these vet consults you've done looking for someone who was on board with you not taking off the ear you could have paid for the surgery, at least in part.
I pray for your little dog, and hope that he does come out of this with his health intact.

Originally Posted by joej0225 (Post 3353037)

Hi everybody Im new to the forum. My 2 year old yorkie had a freak accident where somehow he pulled his top knot band over his ear causing an injury.

He lost circulation by the time we found out he had his ear caught and now its a little darker in color than the other ear but its still standing up. We brought him to the vet who gave medicine to avoid infection.

Today he seems absolutely fine and completely comfortable. But the issue is the vet says his ear is dead and insists that it needs to be surgically removed and she is in a hurry to get him in to amputate.

The consequences of not amputating is it may fall off on its own and MAY become painful depending on how it comes off. This surgery will definately be painful, he will need to keep a cone on his head for weeks and it could get infected anyway. I did get a second opinion and they say remove. I just dont want to put him through that if theres a good chance the ear might stay on and not get infected.

I dont trust these vets. I really think he will be fine if we leave it alone and keep an eye on it. He is on antibiodics for now and there is no appearant discomfort. I want to wait it out.. Am I making a bad decision? Maybe the ear will stay on and he could go through life with a numb ear.. Ill admit the $500 cost and the way my dog will look do factor in. But I want to do whats best and am seeking advice from the forum. I am afraid to subject him to unneccessary discomfort and pain.

Originally Posted by joej0225 (Post 3356890)

Folks I had sought out additional advice from the local vets and found a new vet I relly like and trust. The office was a much more positive environment compare to the office we had been using.

First I wanted to elaborate on what we think happened in the first place. The rubber band attached to the bow my wife uses might have come loose. Our dog either scratched at it or maybe when rolling around pulled the rubber band over his ear. I know its a freak occurance and we feel terrible. I prefer we dont put anything on his head anymore ever.

So This vet examined the ear and noticed the inside was affected from the loss of circulation the outside remains healthy tissue. So the tip of the ear MAY Likely fall off naturally. Currently the dog is comfortable because the leathery tip is acting like a bandaid. Eventually the inside will fall off like a scab and he will end with a floppy tip of his ear. Worst case scenario is it breaks and re- injures the healthy part of his ear causing bleeding. In which case we bring him in for a bandage and if needed stitching. He had been on antibiodics so we will continue that.

I am so glad I persisted on this. I appreciate the layman's perspectives but my gut said the best thing is not to operate and keep an eye on it. Thats the plan now. I am so glad not to have put my dog through the discomfort of removing his ear, the collar, the fear of another operation the drugs etc.. I am also glad I sought advice and found a better vet.

So Ill post an update if anything happens but I expect this to be a happy ending! Thanks again all!

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3357221)

Actually I can see how this would be possible if he was rubbing his head and got the band caught on something. Then as he pulled away, the band stretched over his ear and then it came loose from whatever it was caught on and the ear was caught in it. A freak think, but I can see where it would be possible

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3357215)

I'm glad you sought a third opinion. I personally believe many vets are too eager to just amputate things on dogs, where they would not do so with humans. if he is on antibiotics and you are keeping an eye on it, the danger of a severe infection is minimized.

Good Luck and I hope he does well.

Originally Posted by joej0225 (Post 3360598)

Ok so the tip of his ear came off cleanly today. The good news. No bleeding, no crying and he doesnt look any different with the tip missing since his hair still stands up there. We were surprised at how cleanly it came off. So were going to keep an eye out for any irritation but its been an hour and no discomfort.

For those who think the rubber band mishap is suspect. I guess I would think the same if I heard the story/ I also know posting on a message board would draw inferences of us being neglectfull and even abusive. I assure you all thats not even close to being the case. We love our little Nico a lot.

I wanted to hear what others opinions were. I listened to a lot of opinions and in the end listened to my gut, went on a leap of faith that the ear wouldnt have to be cut.

The good news is we likely averted a great deal of discomfort for our little boy and although we need to keep an eye on him, we have a happy ending.. Thanks again..

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3360671)

So happy to hear that. Thanks for updating. Aftrer thinking about it, I could see how it could happen if he got the band caught. Just because it has never happened to my dogs, does not mean that it couldn't happen in the future.

It is a lesson to all of use to be watchful.

I'm glad it cfame off without trauma and there is a happy ending.