Declaw, debarking, tail docking, and ear cropping: justified or procedures that should be banned?

Airs Wed November 16, 2011, 9PM EST. Listen to this podcast directly from my show page by CLICKING HERE.

Dear Readers, Viewers, and Listeners:

This week, I will be talking about the very controversial and polarizing topics of declaw, debarking, tail docking, and ear dropping procedures. I plan to present these procedures objectively based on medical and scientific facts, not rhetoric or passionate feelings one way or the other. Of course, since I am here to offer my opinion, I plan to do that as well, but it does not mean that I expect you to necessarily agree with me. I am sure this podcast is likely to draw lots of comments and I invite them, either posted here at the blog or sent by e-mail to be addressed on the air in my next podcast. Your comments are welcome and encouraged, but I ask that despite the intense feelings these topics can conjure up, that you keep your posts civil and respectful.

As always, you can submit e-mail comments/questions to be address by me on the air, by sending them to comments@web-dvm.net.

Thanks as always for caring about what I have to say!

Sincerely,

Roger Welton, DVM

Dr. Roger Welton is the President and chief veterinarian at Maybeck Animal Hospital in West Melbourne Florida, as well as CEO of the veterinary advice and health management website Web-DVM.net.

2 thoughts on “Declaw, debarking, tail docking, and ear cropping: justified or procedures that should be banned?”

1. Jessica says:

   May 23, 2013 at 5:30 am

   Hoe much do u charge for an each cropping? I have a 7 week old pitbull that I really want to get his ears cropped.. please get back to me and let me know what to expect after the procedure… thank you…

   Reply
   • Dr. Roger says:

     May 23, 2013 at 3:53 pm

     I do not do ear cropping, so I do not know what a reasonable fee would be. They are quit painful and prone to getting infected, so be certain you choose a reputable veterinarian who will prescribe adequate pain management medication and antobiotics.

     Reply