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Not Ear Cropping—This Surgery Was Done to Help the Ear Heal

Traumatic injuries to the pinna, or external ear flap, can result in tissue tearing, inflammation, pain, bleeding, and delayed wound healing. Because the ear has a relatively thin layer of skin over cartilage, repeated scratching or head shaking may further traumatize the area and prevent the wound edges from healing properly.

In this case, the cat sustained a significant auricular injury involving damaged and irregular tissue along the ear flap. The affected area remained painful and irritated, and continued self-trauma interfered with normal tissue repair.

A therapeutic surgical procedure was performed to remove compromised tissue, restore a healthier wound margin, and allow proper closure and healing. Postoperative care included wound protection and the use of an Elizabethan collar to prevent scratching and additional trauma to the surgical site.

During follow-up, the repaired area showed progressive healing, with healthy tissue formation and no marked postoperative complication observed.

This procedure was performed strictly for medical treatment—not for cosmetic alteration. AVCI does not perform cosmetic ear cropping. Surgical intervention is recommended only when it is necessary to relieve pain, manage damaged or diseased tissue, restore function, or protect the patient’s welfare.

Veterinary surgery should always serve a medical purpose: to treat, relieve suffering, and support recovery—not simply to change an animal’s appearance.

Clinical Presentation: Traumatic injury involving the external ear flap with persistent irritation and impaired healing
Surgical Objective: Removal of damaged tissue and reconstruction of viable wound margins
Postoperative Management: Wound protection, prevention of self-trauma, and continued healing assessment
Outcome: Stable recovery with progressive healing of the repaired ear

Case handled by Dr. Rinna Marie T. Arreglo.