I had a discussion with our other panel vet in Subang Jaya yesterday (he’s the one who took half an hour to search for Cocker’s “missing” uterus), he said the absence of the uterus cannot be determined through ultra-sound. The “faint line” also cannot be seen sometimes, especially in furry animals like Cocker. Some vets do the incision in the middle, some at the side (and which side?).
So, he was totally in agreement with the idea of tipping the ears of all female animals, especially those that would be returned to the colony. In fact, all. Cocker was probably someone’s pet.
So, if you are sending your rescues to any of our clinics, one ear of all females will be either tipped or notched (a “V” shape) to indicate that they have been spayed. Please take note of this – it is for the animals’ own safety and wellbeing. Notching the ear under anaesthesia is painless and recovery should be very fast (compared with the OHE itself, which is far more major).
Some of our vets use the flat tip while others use a “V” notch. I shall respect the preference of the vet in accordance with their practice.
By the way, thank you for all your “votes” and emails (it was unanimous!).
Comments
17 responses to “Decision – to tip the right ear of all female animals”
How come you mention that the proposed tipping of the ear is "V" shape? I have seen the international standard where they cut the tip very little and the line is straight across, like done in Klinik Kembiri.
The ear is important for sharp hearing in all directions. Many times the life of the stray depends on the accuracy and a split second difference save its life.
That is why the tipping is very slight, just enough for the animal catchers to spot that it is an altered animal from a distance and must be left alone because it is a protected animal (overseas la, certainly not here!).
I have seen my strays make that important split second decision to escape in the nick of time from a pack of attacking stray dogs sneaking up on them several times, especially when they are fully engrossed poo-pooing or hungrily eating.
The "V" notch is just a small little notch on the ear. It doesn't harm the animal at all and it's more prominent than a flat tip. If you have something against the 'V", would appreciate if you have your concerns. Thank you.
To many, it is prominent enough since it will mainly be for us and not for the bandaraya people or the animal catchers chasing and lassoing them from a distance.
Anyway the flat tip is noticeable enough for overseas town councils from a distance.
Already we are worried because many people find even the flat tip ugly and say it is "cacat" and many refuse to adopt the animal. That is the main reason why many people will not tip the ear of the stray. They hope to give it a better chance of finding a home off the street.
If people think the flat tip is ugly and "cacat", then the "V" tip is definitely uglier. Even less people will adopt the poor stray then.
What is the difference in prominence when the stray is in your hands at a close distance that the deeper cut of "V" tip is needed as more prominent than a flat tip? You even manage to catch and send the animal to the clinic, that means you are close enough to lay hands on the animal already. In such conditions, are you not able to tell the difference between a flat tip and no tip that you need to have a bigger and uglier deformity in the shape of a "V"? No, it does not harm the animal, but the "V" is downright ugly and definitely lowers their chance of getting a loving home! Already, many people do not want them because their fur is not long enough.
Animal rescuers love all animals, but get real, many people adopt pets for their beauty. That is why pet shops and breeders do so well despite the cruelty.
Many some people need prescription glasses, no?
Dear Anonymous,
I have personally rescued several stray cats before and I have sent them for spaying/neutering. And I have always insisted that the vet tipped the ears with a small "V" cut to indicate that they have been spayed/neutered.
I dont really understand your concern about the shape of the tip – flat tip or V tip. And I dont see the cats as being "cacat" with the V tip.
If I am a cat or dog, I would value my life more than the minor asthetic beauty of the ear.
Cat-not-cacat
Just because you do not think the cut ear is ugly or cacat does not mean that others agree with you. Others mean potential adopters out there, not you, the rescuer looking for adopters.
It is like running a business, you consider and spend $$ to find out customer preferences, not your own otherwise your business will not be successful. Do not always be defensive if others do not agree with you. Have an open mind, otherwise you will take this as another brickbat. 🙂
Excuse me, Anonymous. I'm afraid you're barking up the wrong tree. I always use my name when writing comments. I don't hide behind anonymity. Kindly re-direct your criticism/anger at the correct person. Thank you. Your analogy is noted, but I am not running a "business". I am providing a free service to rescuers who appreciate the help. Your critique is noted and if you have read my next posting, I have already clarified it with our vet. There is no need for the cynicism. Some of us need glasses, some don't!
Err…actually i dont agree cats & dogs to have ear tip cut flat or "V" shape. Chances to get adopted really low. And some amount of Malaysian's attitude…no need to explain so further as anonymous has already voiced it out…some culture which adapted at other country doesn't mean can use it in our country.
I agree with this author of the article below and Mr. Anonymous that we have to consider the potential adopters:
EAR TIPPING CATS IN THEORY AND IN PRACTICE
http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2009/march/ear-tipping-cats-theory-and-practice
“Trap, test, spay or neuter, vaccinate and release.” That’s my mantra when it comes to treating stray cats, feral or not.
If you were paying close attention, serious cat people, you’ll have noticed that my party line didn’t include “ear tip.” Wondering why? Here’s my answer, couched in a recent experience:
In a couple of weeks a group of veterinarians will be getting together at Miami-Dade’s Humane Society shelter for a marathon day of free feline spays and neuters. Sure, it’ll be fun…and great for the community, too, but planning the day was not so easy as you might imagine.
Among other details (where to set up the surgery tables, what anesthetics to use, how our patients will be recovered, what pain meds will be included, etc.) was the pesky issue of ear-tipping.
So you understand, tipping a cat’s ear (usually on the left side) is a helpful way to ensure that cats don’t get trapped and/or re-submitted for sterilization. It’s a visual device that helps feline colony workers gauge the success of their efforts and helps animal control officers know which colonies of cats are well-managed and stable.
It’s useful. And relative to a dog’s ear crop, it’s absolutely painless when performed under anesthesia. Cats recover without pawing at their ears or showing any other sign of distress.
The only down-side? Cosmetics.
Many pet owners are reluctant to adopt cats with tipped ears. They view it as a slight on the animal’s natural beauty. And I guess I can’t dispute that, much though I prefer to tip a stray cat’s ear at the time of spaying and neutering because…
1. …it’s the right thing to do for the safety of the community at large and the welfare of its stray populations, and…
2. …it’s the right thing to do for the individual cat. (Who wants another experience under the knife?)
Nonetheless, I’ve learned that sometimes concessions must be made to a cat’s appearance depending on the individual cat’s circumstances.
— to be continued below —
— continued from above —
1. Is it a feral cat (essentially a wild animal) or a sweet stray?
2. Is the stray entering an adoption program?
3. Might this stray actually belong to a neighbor?
If the stray might be reasonably expected to have a home waiting for him, knowing as we do that humans may refuse to adopt a marred specimen, wouldn’t it be best for him to retain all his feline glory? (Sans his reproductive bits, of course.)
That’s what I tend to think. But then the realities of humans and their often-empty promises sometimes sway me in the opposite direction. Why leave it to chance if what’s best for everyone (save a future owner’s persnickety aesthetic requirements) is that the kitty get his “fancy haircut”?
That’s why so many veterinarians refuse to perform low-cost or no-cost feline spays and neuters without an ear tip attached: “If I’m going to do it for nothing, they’ll have to abide my my rules and my personal ethics.”
So that’s why we eventually voted on the mandatory ear tip. We veterinarians are the ones running the show on this upcoming spay and neuter day. So it’s an ear tip or nothin.’ We’re the ones waking up at the crack of dawn to meet the big demand for freebie feline sterilization, right? So it’s our way or the highway.
But I’m not so sure that’s right. My argument: If the cats are clearly owned and loved, I wouldn’t want to affect the cat’s relationship with his owner, no matter how low-income they may be, no matter how “silly” I believe the requirement for aesthetic perfection to be. After all, consider how you would feel if you couldn’t afford a spay and had to “buy” your cat an ear tip in the bargain.
It’s so easy to sit in our veterinary throne rooms where we make these grand ivory tower decisions and call down to our minions, demanding obeisance on our fine recommendations. But do we have to be so rigid? Sure, it’s only an ear tip. And it means nothing to the cat. But to an owner? To a future owner? In many cases, it may mean more than we know.
Dearest friends,
While we just look on and sympathise with strays, Dr Chan Kah Yein has taken a step forward to help these strays from cruelty & unnecessary birth/death. She means her intentions to control unnecessary birth & death and is also accomplishing it.
ACTION SPEAKS BETTER THAN WORDS. She is a person of ACTION, rather than WORDS.
If we appreciate her action, we support her, otherwise we back off and leave her alone.
Lets not be personal, pleaseeeeee.
No, I do not think those people disagreeing with the "V" snip but agreeing with the flat snip, or others disagreeing with any snips are being personal. People are just putting forth other viewpoints on a much discussed matter. But it looks like some people who do not tolerate disagreements with their proposed ideas are actually taking things rather personal, to the point of telling potential CNRMers to get help elsewhere if they do not like the way "we do things".
Oh dear! Mau tolong neuter pun susah, tak mau tolong neuter pun susah ….
Yes, Manyak Susah, I put it out to a vote on 9th April, seeking opinions from the readers of this blog and the many users of our services. All I received were "yes" from 7 comments and a few emails. Why are the objections only coming in now? If the intention is to help in a positive way, why didn't the objections come in those 4 days when I was seeking the readers' opinions? If one were to just use some common sense, can't one just tell the vet politely that he/she prefers a flat tip or a V notch, which I am sure the vet would accommodate? The V notch is not my idea, it's from the vet from whom I am seeking a favour (rescue rate, so that we can help more animals). Our two other vets have already been tipping the ears of all CNRM animals since we started. It is their clinic policy, not mine. I am not in the habit of making demands.
Manyak susah,
Perhaps you should start a group like what Dr Chan has done and you will realise how difficult things can be.
She has to rely on the goodwill of the vets for discounted rates. And in return, Dr Chan has to abide by the conditions imposed by the vets.
Dr Chan has already explained in one of her postings that the vet has insisted on the V snip. And if I remember correctly, Dr Chan was initially not keen on snipping the ears (either V or flat or whatever shape) because she didnt want to inflict more pain on the cats/dogs.
The V snip was imposed by the vet; it wasnt Dr Chan's choice.
BTW, my boyfriend has pierced his ears and has more ear-rings than I do. Do I still love him? Yes I do; like crazy.
Tak ada susah
You love your mutilated boyfriend itu lu punya pasal la, kan ppl said not all are like you? Anyway, why sooooo defensive and fur all standing on end like a cat wanna fight? People just offer contra opinions, why so dictator like?
Why now only comments coming in? Well, not everybody read your posts everyday la. Anyway, tak apa lah, can go to Klinik Kembiri get minor flat snip. Malas buang masa sibuk nak gaduh padahal orang offer opinion. Tak kan nak jadi macam negeri Arab kena gulingkan diktator!
Why do you persist in using the term 'dictator'? The issue was put to a vote and the result was clear. As i recall,Dr Chan's panel vet had also made the same recommendation. I don't see Dr Chan imposing any veto power in this matter. There wouldn't have been a vote if that was the case.
I think the reason why comments are now coming in is because they are in response to your own recent comments. If you believe in your right to offer contra opinions, then you should also respect the rights of others to offer contra opinions to YOUR contra opinions. It started as a discussion and should still remain that way. Please lighten up and don't take disagreements personally.
BTW, your reference to the previous poster's boyfriend as 'mutilated' is about the only personal attack i've seen so far.
I don't see why you need to make a big fuss over the V-tip if AnimalCare abides by their vet's suggestion. It is really true if you don't agree, there's always Klinik Kembiri for the flat tip that you prefer. The last entry by Malas Gaduh Sama Lu pointed out dictatorship. What dictatorship? There was a vote earlier on, and most readers agreed with it. At the end of the day, it's up to AnimalCare's management and vet's advice.
V-tip or flat tip, why not accept the fact that its for the animals own safety. The "whatever tip" doesnt handicap the animals or reduce the beauty. Anyway, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and not otherwise.
Initially, I was also against the tiping.
But after encountering with so many irresponsible people abandoning their pets in the name of "no option", pets running away coz of friends negligence or fur turning out hazardous and kills babies/people etc, its better to lose little bit of their skin, rather than losing their lifes.