The pup is examined to make sure he is healthy. He is then given an injection of antibiotic so that the medicine will be in the circulatory system while undergoing surgery. After the antibiotic is absorbed, we give a very light dose of anesthesia called propoflo. This relaxes the pup so we can mask him without a struggle. Then we use Isoflurane to put the pup under anesthesia. An endotrachael tube is inserted into the trachea to maintain the airway and also to maintain anesthesia during surgery. An esophageal stethoscope is inserted so that we are able to monitor the heart while surgery is being performed. The ears are then washed with a surgical scrub. The ears are not shaved on short haired breeds. This is because the ears will itch when the hair grows back. After the scrub, the ears are trimmed as close to the owner’s specifications as possible. Sutures are then put into the surgical area. Dr. Bill determines the best method for putting the ears up on a case by case basis.  The ears may be put up on a cap made from Styrofoam cups. This cap is individually made for each pup based on the ear length. The cap is held on with a glue called Skin Bond. If the ears are too short for a cup, they may be glued together or to the head using the Skin Bond. Sometimes, a block of foam is used to put the ears up on.  The anesthesia is then turned off and your pup is held until he wakes up to make sure that he does not hit his head on anything. It is normal for the pup to shake his head (and he will) just as long as he does not hit his head to injure the ears. We will send home an antibiotic to give to the pup, a pain medication (usually Rimadyl) to make the pup more comfortable, if necessary, and an ointment to use on the surgical edge of the ear. Sutures are to be removed in ten days. You do not need to return to us to have the sutures out if you or your regular veterinarian feels comfortable removing them. Let the ears heal where the sutures were and recover from any irritation of the Skin Bond. This usually takes two to three days. The taping process is then initiated.