Around how much is the cost to clip a pitbulls ears?

Answer 1

Done properly....'properly' being the key word....it is a very artistic and time-consuming surgery. Not every surgeon is good at it. Cost will vary by region, by how much preanesthetic testing your DVM requires (since this is an elective surgery), the skill and experience of the surgeon (young DVMs have not had any training in this area), and other factors. Your dog will also need to have a physical exam in advance, to assess its health as well as make sure there is not an infection getting started down inside the ear canals (you don't have the special instrument needed to determine that....only a veterinarian can.)

They'll give you a surgical cost estimate at that time. No one will be able to accurately quote that over the phone, except in a very ballpark manner (e.g. $400-800.) Once examined in person, they can give you a much more specific estimate. (Your pup may need to finish his vaccinations and be treated for worms first, etc.)

If you find it done for much less than that, I'd seriously question the skills of the DVM performing the surgery, and what corners are being cut to lower the fee. It's not a cheap surgery....not when done properly. I've seen lots of butchered ears over the years that would have looked much better had they never been touched.

They also need to have pretty massive prescription pain medications, usually started 2-3 days before the surgery. Pinch the firm cartilage part of your earlobe really Hard with 2 sharp fingernails, and hold it there for at least 5 minutes. That's not even a fraction of how painful CUT cartilage is for several days after the surgery IF adequate pain relief is not provided. It is a constant, horrendous throbbing.

Don't listen to anyone here about age recommendations, as no one here without a DVM behind their name is qualified to make that judgement....and most people get it wrong, anyway. It's different for different breeds. Pitbulls can have this done at just about any age, since their crop is so short that standing is essentially a non-issue. But if you do it before finishing his vaccines, he'll stand a higher risk of contracting parvo due to the stress the surgery places on his immune system.

Pit bulls are not one of the breeds that NEEDS earcropping, and it would actually be to your (and his) advantage to NOT have it done. Pitbulls already have a social stigma for being 'dangerous' as it is. The public is much more accepting of them with long ears, because they don't always realize what breed they are. They look better with long ears, too. Many people see pits with cropped ears, and will shoot them if the dog even takes a step toward them. You are also held to higher liability should your dog bite someone.

Please reconsider this surgery for your dog. I'm a veterinary surgeon. I LIKE to do surgery. I'm happiest when you put me in the surgery room and let me do it all day long. I want to talk you out of this particular surgery, however. If you have the money to have it done, please put that money toward your dog's other healthcare needs that are valuable to protect his life. The only reason for cropping his ears would be to protect them from getting ripped off if he were going to be used for fighting. Let's hope that's not your intent. :-/


ETA: *eyeroll* It is indeed called clipping in SOME areas of the country. People shouldn't act like they have knowledge/education that they don't. *sigh*

Answer 2

Prices vary in different areas, but the biggest problem you will have is finding a vet who will do it. This practise has been labelled as cruel and unnecessary over the past decade and most vets will not perform the surgery. You will have to check with your local vets, but I would say it would be at least $300.

Answer 3

I really hope you are wanting them cropped for the look and not the purpose of fighting. I do not have my bully's ears cropped and hes still cute and sweet as can be

Answer 4

Price varies from area to area. In my area, it runs about $350
I would recommend it being done by 12 wks of age.

Answer 5

dont do it! the dogs hate that and its not good for them! it really hurts them afterwards and they wont be happy with u

Answer 6

It's *****CROP****,not "clip"!!!!!

Call the vets in YOUR area & ASK *THEM*!!!!
duh........

but the prices mentioned above are OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!

Answer 7

you shouldn't i think it's cruel...
that's like cutting or clipping off a dog's ears duh