Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/19/2006

Question
We have a 1 1/2year old german shepherd whose ears are both up and strong at the base but they both fold about halfway up and flop.  Is there anything we can do to strengthen the ears so they will stand erect like they are supposed to?

Answer
At this age, it is hard to get the cartilage of the ear to straighten out.  There are some things that can be injected into the ear to make the cartilage get irritated and when there is healing, the cartilage is thicker.  That sometimes allows the ear to stand.  There are silicone implants that can be implanted.  Ask your vet.