Any Hope for This Ear? - Page 1

     Yesterday, I had two of my last years pups returned to me.I was very happy they called me,the only reason being they did not want to pay pound fees(real crappy)
    I am not overly happy about their condition. I guess the husband lost his job, and the dogs end up being the losers.
    Good news tho, I do have a home for them already, and they do get to stay togeather. It really doesn't matter if the ear goes up, but if there is a chance, I'd like to see it go up.
    I have never had an ear that was not up, It almost looks like it was injured. I know this has been discussed numerous times. I know what to try, but do you think it will work.
     He is 7 months old. Poor boys, I feel so bad for them. (this is his brother).                                                        d.

It must turn your stomach to see these things happen to your pups. I'm glad that you have them back though and have found a good home for them :).

I don't have any personal experience with ears, but I know of quite a few people who have braced at this age and had success. I know that if not done correctly you can do more harm than good. It's not too late to try! There are some ear experts here who will hopefully chime in.

I have no advice for you on the ear.  I would think that it is too late to get it to stand though just from things I have read about ears.  I just wanted to give you kudos for taking them back in and it's great that you already have a new home where they can stay together.  At least by the look of that poor baby's ear it looks like they are a bit worse for the wear and it is very good you got them out of that situation and are getting them on to a hopefully better life and a bright future.

From the way its falling id have to say its an injury. I had this problem before years ago and my vet tried to fix it with a handmade cast sorta thing made of cardboard. It did help a little but it wasn't perfect. Glad you found a home where they can stay together.

I had great luck with Knox original clear Gelatin added to the diet.  They sell it in boxes with individual packs in it.  For a shep this age I would use a half a pack.  They also sell ear molds for dogs on ebay that help with taping of ears.  Some people use fabric glue to attach the molds yet it takes a while to wear off and irritates some dogs. .  Or you can purchase self stick mole foam which you can buy in the shoe section at Walmart can be cut and shaped to fit within the ear.  Along with bracing or rack of the ear should do the trick. It might be easier to have the vet do this as sometimes it is hard to keep the shep still and they have assistance to help hold the dog.   My male was older (2) and his ears were as week as your returned pups.  Now they stand erect yet look a little weak.  But hey at least they are standing. An old K-9 trainer told me this trick.....I talked to my vet about the Knox Gelatin and she stated it is actually good for dogs.  So I figured what the heck!!!

Good luck!  We have had several shepherds returned as well so I certainly know what your going through!  It is hard to when this happens and disheartning to see how much disrespect others have for God's creatures!  I am glad you have already found a home for these 2.  Again Good luck!

Just so you know my male was also injured at age 6 months. It was an attack by another male. Both ears were flat. At age 2 we began the Knox Geletin in his diet. Now I must say there is a slight crease in his ears where they stayed folded for so long yet they stand erect! I would have never believed it myself. Sometimes the old timers know some tricks! I just wanted to share this with you as I believe there is always hope!

Joni is the ear swollen at all? The edges look a little fly-bitten, I was wondering if he has a hematoma from shaking it? Just make sure that the ear is healthy, & that he/she has lots to chew on to strengthen that side back up. And yes, Knox gelatin works wonders! (for human nails, too!)
jackie harris

It does look as if that ear has had an injury or possibly a haematoma it looks as if it could be swollen and there are a few scars.

At 7 months I would not say that it is too late but first just have the vet check to be sure that there is no infection or mites. If that is ok try the ear forms.

It is great that you have taken them both back but isn't that what we would all do?
I wish one of my puppy buyers had given me the chance to do the same, instead they put her to sleep only 2 weeks after taking her home, without contacting me to see if they could return her.

I am still trying to deal with that one.

     Thanks everyone. There does not seem to be any issues with his ear other than the obvious marks to the outside. I checked them over inside and out.
    They both seem to know they are home.Very happy-go-lucky pups. Their mother was welcoming them back home and they have playing nice with my other two that are about that age.
     Thank God for the woman that is going to take them,togeather. She is a Shepherd woman, recently divorced, in a big home by herself.She don't care if the ear goes up or not, so it's worth the try to see if it goes up anyway. So it's chew toys and jello for the boy!
    Unfortunately, some of the German Shepherd rescues around here want too much money for a rescue, some even want money to be put on their waiting lists.
    I don't want nothing for these two but a GREAT home for them,(I sold them once, how much should I have to make off them).
     So, I am off this afternoon to take them to their new home.I'm pretty sure they are staying put this time (if not, I will take them back but I would have to keep them if it don't work out for them this time.)