TRIBLEDANES
Pronounced "TRIBAL DANES" Est. 2004
AKC Registered, Health Tested, Color Pure, Fawn Great Danes.
Please understand that we do not offer ear cropping. We are not set up to house our Danes or puppies in kennels or runs nor would we ever want to. In order for us to crop all of our puppies we would have to house them separately for approximately 14 days until the sutures come out to prevent injury to each other while they heal. We would never want to run the risk of harm to any of our babies so we feel it would be best for the new owners to provide this procedure once the puppy leave our care, this way they can receive the proper care without adding the possibility of injury or a failed ear crop due to scarring from sutures being torn out. Even though we do not offer ear cropping, we still like to provide those that have chosen to crop with some wonderful ear cropping insight.
Many believe that ear cropping does not in any way benefit the Great Dane and that cropping is an unnecessary surgery performed exclusively for the "Look". Great Dane ears were originally cropped to protect them from sustaining injuries while hunting wild boar. Now ear cropping is done only to enhance the regal appearance of the Dane set by people. We do love the crop look, however we cant stand the process they must endure to get that look. Many say that the ears do not make the Dane, but every time I take my Natural ear Danes out in public I get many people asking me what breed that is. Is it an overly large Lab, No thats a Mastiff on the thin side ! But, when we take our Cropped ear Dane out in public every one automatically says "Oh My Look at that DANE", I'm sure you get my point.
We own Danes with both Natural and Cropped ears. While we do agree that a cropped ear does make the Dane look regal we have also noticed a significant difference between the two when it comes to medical issues. With our natural ear Danes we have had our fair share of inner ear infection. Some believe that inner infections is caused by their diet or lack of but we believe that is not always true, at least in our case. Natural ears tend to also trap in dirt, moister and even water from routine bathing, swimming etc. With this combo you get inner ear infection since the ear can not openly breath and air out, not only this but natural ears are more prone to ear hematomas (Blood filled blisters) that form from continues head shacking. Cropped ears fall under the same dilemma, however with the ears up they can openly breath and air out. This will keep moister from building inside the canal and most of the time prevents inner ear infection, I have yet to hear of a cropped Dane experiencing an ear hematoma. Both Natural and Cropped ears need to be kept clean and dry at all times for health and hygienic reasons, just because the ears are cropped does not mean you can neglect them.
Please keep in mind that there is a high risk of loosing your Great Dane puppy to death, this is due to not only putting them under anesthetic for the procedure but there are also many delicate blood vessels that line the ear and the experienced vet must work around them, ear cropping is not a quick procedure. Many forms of after care ear taping or bracing may cause ear infections, this may occur over a few things.
1.) the inner ear can not breath, the entire ear is wrapped in tape.
2.) there is a foam stay inside the ear that is keeping the ear from breathing and or trapping in moister.
3.) the puppy is having an allergic reaction to the glue and or tape being used.
4.) the puppy just has sensitive ears.
Regardless of the cause, if any sores or foul oder forms during any stage of the taping process then you must discontinue the taping and allow the ears to heal before re-taping begins. This is where most ear crops will fail, if the ear rest to long then they may not stand quick or at all. There is no reason in this world to force your puppy to go through taping with wounds or infections just to make them stand. Be patent and take care of the ears, a healthy ear all around is more important then a standing one. An ear crop could be fully standing by 4 months of age but can take up to a year or more depending on the length of the cut and the type of ear cartilage. Normally once they get past the teething stage at 6-7 months the ears start to stand as long as you have been diligent with your taping. You must be prepared to deal with the possibly of continues taping and or a failed ear crop.
We highly recommend that before you crop your puppy that you back up his or her immune system with Nzymes, Probotics, OxE-Drops and Colostrum starting 1 to 2 weeks before the surgery and continue for a few weeks after. This will also speed up the recovery and help prevent infection.
Cropped ears can be difficult to handle for the first time ear cropper, most vets offer after care which includes ear taping or bracing. Further down this page we offer 2 forms of ear taping/bracing that is very easy to do for the first time ear cropper. We are always here to help assist any of our Dane Families that have decided to crop their Dane baby!
We ask our buyers to wait until 9 weeks of age so that the puppy has time to recuperate from all of the vaccines and the new family. That way when they go in for surgery they are calm and there immune system is where it should be (we hope anyways). Please follow the Anesthesia Guidelines & Surgery Guidelines for Great Danes.
Anesthesia Guidelines for Cropping
Prepared by
Sue Cates, RVT and Dr. LeAnn Lake-Heidke, DVM.
This is the most updated info on what is appropriate for Great Danes (Giants).
An anesthesia protocol for the puppy to be cropped is a serious consideration, keeping in mind, that we are dealing with your babies! Long time breeders of cropped puppies or veterinarians have surely heard of un-explained anesthetic deaths during or just following a cropping procedure. I am hopeful this paragraph will not be too soon outdated, and helpful for the safety of the anesthetized puppy.
I have been involved with anesthesia for the cropping of puppies for about 25 years and have seen MANY different protocols used. As many veterinarians as there are, there are as many different ideas on what is used for anesthesia. This is a subject that the owner ha the right and duty to discuss with the veterinarian doing the crop procedure for you. Certainly as the years go by, anesthetic agents will keep on improving, so the current protocol in this article may become out-dated, (editorial comment - we will update as new info comes available), but for now, this is what I personally consider to be the absolutely SAFEST method.
Currently there are two really good anesthetic gasses available, ISOFLURANE and SEVOFLURANE., with Sevo being the absolute best/safest. Sevo at this time is more expensive but the very best choice. This protocol is what we use at our clinic, and I in no wan intend to be and instructor or anesthesia expert in this recommendation. I STRONGLY believe that NO pre-anesthestic be used on the puppy except a dose of Atropine per weight about 15-20 minutes prior to anesthesia. We ‘mask’ the puppy down on either of the gases, intubate, and maintained on gas during cropping. We also use pulse oxcimetry and a blood pressure monitor during surgery. When the puppy is cropped, cleaned and taped accordingly, and ready to be awakened, we have on hand a Torbutrol injection with a “hub” of Acepromazine, per weight, to be given IV upon extubation. This makes for a very smooth, pain free recovery! The puppy needs to be closely monitored immediately following anesthesia, needless to say.
All we ask is that if you chose to have your new puppy cropped that please research your vets and interview them well, also ask to see photos of the (Great Danes) that they have done. Most believe that a true Great Dane ear crop is show length with a straight outer edge and a formed bell. (Never) flip the tip of the ears over when taping, most vets will do this if you allow the vet to do the ear taping for you, the ears are to stand straight up even the tips. We also ask that you use either the Great Dane Lady's Ear taping method or the Quick Brace System. These two methods are better for the puppy, most of my buyers use the Quick Brace system with great success. Ears can be cropped between 7 weeks and 13 week of age with regular ear cropping surgery and no latter then 12 weeks of age with the laser ear cropping surgery, please keep in mind that all vets are different and have their own time line on when to crop so you need to speak with the vet in advance. Most vets will not crop ears until 13 weeks of age, do to the ear cropping being done at this age the vet is forced to do a breeders crop or commonly known as a pet crop. Most vets are using an ear cropping template (this will give that Bat ear look with a wide middle). There are 3 common ear cropping sizes that are seen today. (Pet Crop " which is real short - Minimal length on chart below"), (Standard - Medium length) and (Show - Full Length and harder to stand) Some Dane puppies have longer ears so the cut should be kept within proportion with the puppies head. We never recommend the Pet Crop, the Standard ear crop looks great if it has the straight outer edge and formed bell.
We can not guarantee on when your puppy will be shipped, there are airline regulation and unforeseen things that can happen so therefore we can not Guarantee that you will receive your new baby in time for ear cropping. You need to really think about this before considering a Tribledanes Baby. Is ear cropping really that important, and can you live with a natural eared Dane?
Great Dane ¾ to 7/8 of ear left
Linda Arndt ~ Canine Nutritional Consultant also known as " The Great Dane Lady "
How to tape ears link !
This method is very easy for first time Croppers. Just make sure you order all the supplies well in advance before you crop your baby.
Everyone has a different method of ear taping and there is nothing wrong with that, you just have to find the one that works best for you and your dog. Linda's worked great for us and that is what we recommend to our puppy buyers.
EAR TAPING LINK and SUPPLIES
Provided that the ears have no odor, swelling or sores, you will see the taping start to come down on its own in a few days. This will vary depending on whether the puppy is part of a litter or alone in the family. The first time they are taped the ears generally stay up for 5-10 days. Just check the ears daily for odor, swelling and or sores.
*Our Procedure For Removing The Tape When Using The Great Dane Lady's Ear Taping Method*
When the ears are starting to come down, we take a pair of scissors and gently cut the cross or support tape that goes across the puppies head being careful not to cut the ear. Next we take a round cosmetic cotton pad with some Uni-Solve glue remover on it and gently work the tape off from around the ear that is wrapped around the paper towel pillow. Next we gently work the tape off the top of the ear, the part that folds over the tip being extremely careful not to pull the tip of the ear off!!. Be sure to replace the cotton pad when dirty and keep the cotton pad wet with glue remover. Next start at the bottom of the stay, the part down in the ear near the button and gently slide the pad under the stay using a genital sliding motion from side to side working your way up. You may have to stop mid way to re-wet the pad with glue remover and then continue all the way to the top of the ear. Take caution when your near the tip of the ear again so that you do not pull the tip of the ear off. Once the stay is completely off, take a clean pad with more glue remover and clean all the excess glue off the ear inside and out. Be-sure to clean the inside of the ear for wax, oil and or debris. We use a ChlorhexiDerm Ear Flush being sure to dry the ear real well inside and out!. After that we massage the ears starting at the base or bell and holding the ear with both hands with our fingers in a pinch mode around the ear, use your fingers to massage the ear with a slight pulling motion up-wards. This helps circulate the blood in the ear plus it feels nice to the puppy!. Next we allow the ear to fully dry and air out for a few hours. A few weeks after the ear cropping surgery you will start to notice the hair inside the ear growing back. Its best if you can shave that hair off during the ear taping process. As you remove the old stays it tends to ripe or pull that hair which is uncomfortable for the puppy. Provided that the ears have no odor, swelling or sores we will put the ears back up that day. We have tried in the past to allow the ears to rest a day or two but when the puppy sleeps they tend to fold the ear under and lay on which in term breaks the cartilage, in other words forms a crease and the ear no longer stands so your forced to start from day one again. So as long as the ears are fine we recommend after a few hours of rest that the ears go back up. Make sure the ears are STRAIGHT UP, and the dog is able to manipulate them so they strengthen the muscles of the ears across the top of the head. You do not want the pillow to pop out, because the ear then folds in-wards causing a permanent crease. If this happens, you have to reposition the pillow and redo the brace without removing the stays.
~ Methods To Help Assist With Natural ( Non-Cropped ) Ears ~
Taping Natural Ears
There are times when you just have to deal with a natural ear that just will not lay right at all. Ive been told that doing anything to puppies ears before 4 months of age is a waste of time and money. They say that the cartilage doesn't start growing up the ears until the pups are about 5 months old and keeps growing until they're nearly a year old. They say that the ears should be taped down from 4 months until 12 months. That way as the cartilage grows, it will form to the curve of the taped ear. So wait until the puppy is 4 months old to start taping.
There are 3 methods that I have seen that look like they will work, One is done on a Great Dane and one is done on a Boxer. Both breeds have the same natural ear.
The tape to use is medical tape ( preferable Zona's Porous Tape ) or Elastikon.
DO NOT for any reason use any other kind of tape like Electrical tape, duck tape etc as this can cause the ear to become infected and even rot off.
1.) You will need scissors and tape.
The tape to use is Zona's Porous tape or Elastikon -- you can purchase from your vet or a medical supply store. One strip of tape is attached to the underside of one ear w/sticky side facing towards the outside of the ear. Then pull tape down under the chin and attach to the underside of the other ear. Next attach the other piece of tape (with ears in the middle " sticky side to sticky side " ) - to the first piece of tape this will make a sandwich. Make sure it is a comfortable fit so that your dogs jaw can still open. Make sure he/she can move his jaw and is able to eat and drink. It is also important to make sure the tape is not to loose to where it will get caught in the jaw.
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* Highly Recommended Supplementations *
Our puppy buyers must follow the minimum of
Ox-E-Drops, Nzymes, 4-in-1 Probotics, Level 5,000 & MSM
NZYMES® Ox-E-Drops is a safe and stable compound which offers many internal and topical uses. It is a powerful oxidizing substance which can act as a bactericide, viricide and fungicide. Ingested, NZYMES® Ox-E-Drops releases precursors which assist the body in the removal of dangerous free radicals. NZYMES® Ox-E-Drops helps to increase the efficiency of enzymes involved in oxidation of foreign material in the body such as viruses.
NZYMES® Ox-E-Drops is very alkaline, and can therefore help to neutralize stomach acid for those who suffer with Acid Reflux. It may help digestion and colon flora and may increase energy and endurance
NZYMES® Granules are a "Functional Food" and a natural supplement for people and animals of all ages. This concentrated "LIVE" formula is designed to help replenish important enzymes lacking in today's diets of over-cooked and pre-processed foods.
NZYMES® Granules provide vital live food nutrition. This product contributes to the body's' primary antioxidant support system and helps stimulate production of vital metabolic enzymes used to maintain many cellular functions. Combined, these factors help cleanse dangerous free radicals and toxins from the body*.
NZYMES® Fortified Bac~Pak Plus uses a powerful blend of Micro Encapsulated live, viable naturally occurring microorganisms and digestive enzymes. The Micro Encapsulation process provides key protection against heat and stomach acid and insures that 95% of the viable bacteria reach the GI tract. This blend promotes proper digestion and improved assimilation of foods. BAC-PAK PLUS was created for daily supplemental use with animals of all ages and designed to help optimize the health of a pet¹s digestive tract and immune system.
Healing Miracles for Today's World!
We've all heard the saying, "Death begins in the colon." Many practitioners of alternative medicine believe that a disruptive ecology of the gastrointestinal tract may cause up to ninety percent of all known illness and disease.
4-IN-1 PROBOTICS - is a combination of beneficial yogurt-like micro-organisms (flora) and digestive enzymes. Research shows beneficial/friendly bacteria is critical to keeping the environment of the gut in top condition. Digestive enzymes are the key to getting the most out of your pet’s diet by assisting in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. These two supplements in combination with vitamin C and organic wheat/barley grass, provides great digestive support and spectrum of fruit and vegetable nutrients normally missing in most commercial and homemade diets. Top breeders and pet owners have used 4 in 1 Probotics with great success over the past 13 years, proving it is essential for life long wellness for your pet.
Note - The 4-in-1 Probotics seems to work better for our Danes, plus it includes the Vitamin C that Great Danes also need!
Or all of the above, purchased in kits!
COLOSTRUM ~ Colostrum is the first "pre-milk" fluid produced in the first few hours from the mammary gland of mammals, and it carries all the antibodies to protect the young when the immune system is new and underdeveloped. Bovine Colostrum is often used due to it’s rich source of antibodies, growth factors and nutrients and may provide passive immunity to the newborn against various infectious microorganisms, particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Children who were not breast-fed do not receive the natural antibodies from their mother milk, and often have a lifetime of allergy problems. Likewise young puppies/kittens who do not nurse, are often not protected by the antibodies from mother's colostrum.
Research shows Colostrum will regenerate and rejuvenate the immune function, as well as heart muscle. It is highly recommended for pets (humans) with cardiomyopathy and other heart disease or diabetes issues.
