Hmm….we seem to have an anonymous person who feels very strongly about the “V” notch to indicate a spayed female. Please read comments in http://animalcare.my/2011/04/decision-to-tip-ears-of-all-female.html
I didn’t think it would be such a big issue, whether it’s a “V” or a flat tip but it seems it is now, or rather, only with one person.
Nevertheless, I value all critique (despite the cynicism, which I shall choose to ignore!), so I called up one of our panel vets and had a chat with him about an hour ago.
Why the “V” notch and not a flat tip, Dr?, I asked.
Why is it an issue, he asked me.
Oh, it’s not me, Dr. It’s someone else who commented that it should be a flat tip and not a “V” notch.
Oh, we just want to standardise the procedure because our other clinic has been doing the “V” notch for rescued strays all these years, the vet explained.
Then he explained further that from his experience, sometimes the fur covers the flat tip after some years. Hence, a “V” notch is more prominent. It would reduce the incidence of uncertainty and doubt. His concern is for the wellbeing of the animal and not so much for aesthetic beauty. And remember, this applies to CNRM cases where the animal is returned to the colony and another rescuer might pick up the animal again.
Also, for dogs with rounded ears, you can’t really tip the ears. You’ll have to notch it, right?
The conversation then veered off to a more interesting topic….wait a bit…I’ll write it up. It is about….wait. Later.
As for our other panel vets, they have actually been doing the flat tip all this while.
I must always remember that I am asking a favour from these panel vets, so I have to respect their clinic’s policy. I am not in the habit of making demands. If I am a vet and I run my own clinic, then yes, I can do whatever I want.
But then again, rescuers who are not happy with the tipping (“V” notch OR flat tip), don’t have to come to us, right? I’m sure they have their own vets. We’re providing a service here, and we’re doing our best for the animals’ wellbeing, based on the advice of our vets.
Any critique is most welcome (I know some of you feel very emotional about certain issues, but the cynicism is not necessary).
By the way, Cow got his ear notched about a month ago when he got into a fight!
Take a look….
Comments
8 responses to “The flat tip or the “V” notch”
will it hurt them..? i mean, the procedure.. i've tried to think for other alternatives, but my thinking skill is very poor rite now. haha and still, u r a vet. so u should know better. im just curious. thats all ^^
Hi Azure, I'm not a vet. But our vets say it doesn't hurt because it's done under anaesthesia. The operation for spaying is more major than this "tipping the ear" procedure. Please read earlier postings on why it is necessary for CNRM animals. It is to prevent the female animal from being opened up twice.
Thanks for you interest and your comment.
As with so many decisions, I think in the end we all try to find the one that is the lesser of two evils.
For people trying to re-home animals, the question of aethetics may come into play. I do think, though, that if a rescuer explains to a potential adopter the REASON for the snipped ear, most adopters will accept that a small snip in the ear is better than running the risk of sending the animal into surgery more than once. If a potential adopter turns away from any animal with a snipped ear after hearing the explanation, I would have to give that person a second thought. Does s/he really love animals?
I certainly want to see as many animals as possible in good, loving homes, and I know what a challenge that is. I still think, though, that the benefit of a small ear snip outweighs the harm. We just have to do a little more talking to convince others that it's a good thing. 🙂
If anyone does not like your more extreme "V" snip over the flat snip, go somewhere else, you say? Sure, no problem. And people are not even talking about not snipping.
Judge your good work for yourself and shut out all criticism and disagreements from others? Sure, go ahead, only people with huge mental blocks and high egos do that. Too bad …
owh sorry for that misunderstanding. i just read sumwhere mentioning u as Dr. Chan. so i straightaway thought dat u r a vet.
anyway, i really love ur blog. it inspire me on how to become a more responsible pet owner. well eventho im not really a pet owner. i can surely share some info with my frens. 🙂
No worries, Azure. No harm done. Thanks for sharing the blog with your friends.
Hi, Anonymous —
Just a couple of thoughts…
First,when you write "your more extreme V snip", it sounds as if Kah Yein is the one who has put the ear snip policy in place. She didn't, right? It was the vet's decision, as was the choice of the V snip over the straight cut. KY has only asked readers for our opinions, and I don't see her blocking yours out.
You clearly feel strongly about the V snip, and I respect that. Really, when we think about it, wouldn't it be great to come up with an effective idea that would avoid cutting the ear altogether? In the meantime, though, if you were to make your case politely to the panel vet for a straight-across snip vs the V, I have a feeling he would accommodate you. (Mind you, I've never met this vet, but most vets I know are rational, civil people who really have the animals' best interests at heart. 😉
My friends and I have been practising the left ear flat tipping of female as well as male stray cats for a couple of years already. We explain the reason for doing so to our adopters and so far none of them have rejected our kitties because of a tipped ear.