Missing Ear

[damamachamp]

My Lab had his ear ripped off in a dog fight. The vet was unable to save any of the ear flap. He now has a gapping hole in the side of his head. He is an outside dog, without the protection of the ear flap,I am concerned about rain, dirt and fox tails getting into his ear as well as the extreme cold weather. I was wondering if anyone has encountered a similar situation, and if so have you found a solution. I was thinking of making some sort of prosthetic ear/hat, any ideas?

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

I haven't but I would share your concern. A cap tied won't do, because he's outside and he could choke. I'll put my thinkin cap on and hopefully someone will come along with a brilliant idea, because aside from a cap, I can't think of a thing at the moment.

[critters]

In a way, I think you're better off without it; I've known a number of labs with chronic infections from the floppy ears. Prick-eared dogs don't have problems with stuff getting in that doesn't belong, not that I've ever experienced, anyway. Rain, dirt, and cold shouldn't hurt anything if they get in; rain will dry, and dirt will wash. I guess foxtails are some sort of weed or weed seed? Too lazy to go search them up.

[CarolC]

I was wondering if anyone has encountered a similar situation, and if so have you found a solution. I was thinking of making some sort of prosthetic ear/hat, any ideas?

I have seen pit pulls who had no ears because they were cropped on purpose to avoid the kind of injury your dog got. I do not know if the pits with cropped ears are outdoor dogs, though I imagine some are.

They do make a "snood" that might give protection. Here is a website. I'm not sure about safety, GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily brings up a good point. I suppose he would simply pull out of it rather than choke but I don't know if there's the possiblity of a freak accident.

http://www.dogleggs.com/files/uniquedesigns.cfm

Here is a helmet that would also cover the head.

http://www.handicappedpets.biz/xcart/doggie-helmet.html

I'm sure your dog has a doghouse. Do you also have an overhang/patio/porch for him to stay under?

[kcarmona]

Hi, I just rescued a dog with a missing ear, I contacted OrthoPets and they offered a light weight helmet custom made. I am thing of another (crazy) idea, but it might wok. A piece of leather look alike material with a magnetic light weighted piece at the top, and a sterilized metalic piece surgically inserted under the skin. This way it can be taken off at any time, either to do maintenance or to be replaced when the time comes. It should work as what deaf people use now days.
Regards,
Kim