PermaStay® Ear Implantation for Pets
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Revolutionary PermaStay®
Correcting Canine or Feline Ears Quickly, Humanely and Effectively
Veterinarian approved – clinically tested. Revolutionary PermaStay® Ear Implantation for Canines corrects broken, bent or floppy ears that should otherwise stand up straight.
PermaStay® can correct any adult canine or feline ear(s), regardless of ear-fault location. Crafted of surgical mesh and fluoroplastic material.
PermaStay® is ultra-thin, lightweight, undetectable and permanent.
As of August, 2023 over 12,000 canines and felines worldwide have safely and humanely had their ears restored with PermaStay®.
For a Certified Participating Facility near you complete the Pet Evaluation Questionnaire at the top of the page.
Created and Crafted in the USA by CTI Corporation- Advancing Pet Technology for Over a Quarter Century.
For a personal evaluation concerning your canine or feline and a referral to a certified PermaStay facility click the Pet Evaluation Questionnaire atop the page.
Veterinarian approved – clinically tested. Revolutionary PermaStay® Ear Implantation for Canines corrects broken, bent or floppy ears that should otherwise stand up straight.
PermaStay® can correct any adult canine or feline ear(s), regardless of ear-fault location. Crafted of surgical mesh and fluoroplastic material.
PermaStay® is ultra-thin, lightweight, undetectable and permanent.
As of August, 2021 over 8,000 canines and felines worldwide have safely and humanely had their ears restored with PermaStay®.
For a Certified Participating Facility near you complete the Pet Evaluation Questionnaire at the top of the page.
Created and Crafted in the USA by CTI Corporation- Advancing Pet Technology for Over a Quarter Century
Updated PermaStay® Procedure (Graphic Content)
World’s First Permanent Solution
Over 8,000 pets’ ears restored
with revolutionary PermaStay®
It may be a Doberman Pincher, Boxer, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Chihuahua or any canine whose ears should stand up straight but don’t for some reason.
Enter Gregg Miller, president of CTI Corporation and creator of CTI’s flagship product Neuticles for Pets, which garnered a 2005 Ig Nobel Prize for Medicine.
In 2010 Miller introduced an ear implant which restores the pet’s ear to a natural look. Considered revolutionary and five years in development, the PermaStay® ear implant has now successfully restored over 8,000 pets Worldwide.
Miller created the implant due to consumer demand. “Almost every day I spoke to a pet owner who said, ‘You need to create a product that corrects broken or bent ears on pets’,” said Miller.
Miller stated that, after investigation, he discovered that a number of products created in decades past were “band-aid fix” products that not only failed to work but in most cases were inhumane.
Conversely, said Miller, PermaStay® Ear Implants not only work, but are humane and will last for the life of the pet.
Crafted of surgical mesh, the implant consists of a 3″ x 4″foundation. The mesh was specially created to be compatible with the sensitive tissue within the pet’s ear and to eliminate risk of migration of the implant within the ear once placed.
In the center of the mesh foundation is a specially designed “spine” made of fluoroplastic. The spine, which varies in length depending on the size of the pet’s ear, was painstakingly developed to prevent trauma inside the ear once placed. It features polished, rounded edges and sides with micro-holes strategically placed throughout.
A second layer of surgical mesh is then sonic welded atop the spine, which not only eliminates risk of inner ear trauma but allows for tissue growth within the surrounding mesh. This tissue growth provides the necessary “wall of support” to keep the ear erect, Miller said.
Three sizes of implants are now available for any canine or feline, large or small.
“PermaStay® is light as a feather. The pet doesn’t know it’s there and best of all, it’s normally undetectable once placed,” Miller said. “In cases where there is an indentation of the spine visible, the spine, at the pet owners’ option, can be removed after six months.”
Miller stressed that PermaStay® not only restores the pet’s ears, but it is instrumental in maintaining the pet’s health.
“Pets whose ears should stand up but do not are normally prone to ear infections, while an erect ear allows air flow into the ear canal,”said Miller. “When that air flow is obstructed, the pet is at risk for ear infections and related medical issues.”
According to Miller, there are hundreds of certified facilities worldwide which participate in PermaStay® implantation. Miller said it is important to have a veterinarian that has expertise with pet ears implant the product. As such, sales are vetted and restricted to veterinarians that have ear crop experience.
“Along with the cost of implants and depending on the particular vet and location in the World, implantation can run from $1000 to $1,500 per ear,” said Miller. “But most pet owners will agree it’s well worth it.
Attention Veterinarians…
If you are a progressive veterinarian which specializes in ear cropping/ear restorations and would like to become a certified participating facility, please contact us. Your clinic or hospital will be placed on our Worldwide Referral Database. Our on-staff consultants can assist you with any technical support on any issue or concern you may have. Instant response via phone or email.
For immediate assistance concerning any aspect of PermaStay® please call us at 816-690-8337 or contact us.
Scroll down the page to see more stunning before/after photo’s !
General
The indications for implanting PermaStay® prosthetic implants are quite varied. As a general statement, incorrect ear posture of the erect eared breeds of dogs, is the most routine reason for its use. The most routine indication is to correct cartilage breaks or folds in post surgical ear trim situations. This occurs most commonly in Doberman Pinchers, but also in Great Danes and Boxers. It can occur in any breed of dog for many different reasons. To list a few: overall health of the dog, nutrition, genetic predisposition, weak cartilage, muscle/nerve control, trauma, and improper surgical procedure and/or aftercare. The results judged very pleasing by one owner or veterinarian may be judged very poor by another. Be aware that in severe trauma cases, inadequate blood supply may be a very important factor on the success of this implant surgery. PermaStay® is provided non-sterile by the manufacturer. Sterile technique is absolutely essential. PermaStay® is crafted from three parts:
- Surgical Mesh Foundation The surgical mesh foundation is designed to provide support for the spine once implanted as the material will allow tissue growth through the mesh.
- Fluroplastic Spine The Fluroplastic spine is crafted to provide optimum support and tissue growth. The spine is carefully made with rounded edges and corners as to not create inner ear trauma once implanted. Multiple holes are strategically placed to allow tissue growth which will aid in ear support. The spine can be removed 60 days after.
- Surgical Mesh Overlay The Surgical Mesh Overlay is sonic welded atop the Fluroplastic spine to provide support, eliminate risk of potential trauma from the spine and to allow tissue growth which will provide added support.
Prognosis
The prognosis for pristine results improves with experience in ear trimming and aftercare, and of course; experience in installing PermaStay®. This procedure should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian with prior ear cropping experience. A clear working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the canine ear is essential. Utmost care in surgical principles and aseptic technique is required. The prognosis of success exceeds 99% when you carefully follow these simple principles .
Meet Randall the Schnauzer – had a morbid case of ‘airplane ears’. Our Certified Vet in Alabama restored Randall’s ears to Schnauzer perfection. (Photo Credit: Pet’s Owner)
Surgical Procedure
Procedures for correcting improper carriage or break in the mid 50% of the affected ear concha.
1. Clip hair and prepare the surgical area; extending the prepped area 4 to 5 cm onto the skin around the base of the ear.
2. Place one or two sterile cotton balls into the ear canal.
3. Make incision through skin and cartilage on the concave surface of the concha. Incision usually is parallel with the long axis of the ear. The incision should extend 2 to 3 cm both distal and proximal to the break in the cartilage. Blunt dissection of the subcutaneous fascial tissue connection between cartilage and skin (on the convex surface) should extend 1 to 3 cm around the entire incision peripherally. Under no circumstances should the spine be cut, trimmed or altered in any way. Note: Very little hemorrhage is expected; however, a clotting time should always be checked. Also withhold any aspirin 3 days before and after surgery. To avoid risk of mesh migration suture corners of mesh and centered near spine with dissoluble material.
4. Close incision with simple horizontal mattress sutures- Vicryl-0 material.
5. While each ear varies it is the option of the surgeon to TempoStay® or bandage the ear following the procedure. It is recommended that the ear be supported with either the TempoStay® or bandaging after placement of PermaStay® for 60 to 90 days or longer to allow uninterrupted tissue growth formation into the surgical mesh.
6) While the surgical mesh can be custom trimmed to conform with the pets ear, under no circumstances should the spine be altered in any way.
Aftercare
As with routine ear trim surgery, proper aftercare is a very important part of assuring the probability of pristine results. Edema, seroma and hematoma are more likely than with routine ear crop surgery when optimal post-operative care is not employed. It is recommended that a broad spectrum antibiotics be administered for 10 days.
External application of additional apparatus to help the ear stand is usually recommended but is at the option of the surgeon.
Pain medication prescribed as determined by the veterinarian.
Veterinarian evaluation of the surgery on day three.day 10 and day 30 is recommended. . Use of Rimadyl is advised several days prior to surgery and for up to 10 day preceding surgery to reduce possible post-operative swelling of the ear due to trauma.
Expected Results
With proper overall evaluation of the animal’s health, good surgical skill and thorough post-operative care, a very high percentile of these broken ears will stand very well, probability is 99%-plus. This prognosis is with breaks in the middle 50% of the ear. The individual surgeon will need to carefully evaluate these cases and discuss the prognosis with the owner according to his/her judgment as no two ears are rarely precisely alike.
Before: Meet Duke, a 16 month old Doberman Pincher with a morbidly bent ear. Enter Dr Estaban Baeza, DVM of Street Road Animal Hospital in Trevose, PA. Considered one of our finest ear restoration surgeons in the world.
After: Stunningly restored to pristine perfection with PermaStay. Our special thanks to Street Road Animal Hospital for providing these incredible photos and to Dr Baeza for his incredible gift of ear restoration utilizing PermaStay – the world’s first and only prosthesis that restores a bent or broken ear permanently. (Photo credits: Street Road Animal Hospital)
Miscellaneous
PermaStay® has proven to be well over 99% non reactive to canine tissue in all previous tests and clinical uses. Successful installation should last the life of the canine without complications providing pet owner follows post-operative protocol.. Appearance of the prosthesis material is non-existent in most cases.
Pet should be healthy prior to placement without any known allergies or low immunity. It is suggested that a full blood panel be conducted prior to surgery to determine health of the pet. Reactive canine tissue cases cited above occurred when pre-operative blood testing did not occur.
The fluroplastic spine can be removed after six months in most cases – if desired. Removal of the spine will restore the pet’s ear to a natural state. Exclusions of spine removal are those pets where ear canal placement was necessary.
It is strongly advised that corners of the surgical mesh foundation and center of the implant be anchored with dis-solvable sutures designed to hold implant in place for up 90 days or preferably longer
It is strongly advised to place the pet on Rimadyl several days prior to surgery and for 10 days following surgery to greatly reduce or eliminate post-operative trauma fluid discharge. Surgeons using laser technology have experienced little to no post- operative fluid discharge.
While it is at the option of the surgeon, it is advised that post- operative TempoStay® Ear Supports, traditional ear support or bandaging be employed in an upright position to allow not only tissue growth into the surgical mesh foundation- but to add additional ear support resulting in less stress to the ear. Pet owner observation is critical to assure pet does not oppose this as the ear can be traumatized in pet’s effort to remove mechanisms.
PermaStay® is sent to the veterinarian pre-washed and dried in 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Steam autoclave at 250 (DF) is required prior to placement in the autoclave pouch in which it is packaged. At surgeons’ option the device can be soaked prior to placement with a broad-spectrum antibiotic – which is recommended.
When pet owner after care protocol is breached, like with any specialized or non-specialized procedure, the risks of complications increase but can be corrected.Correction of the post operative breach is normally achieved with veterinary follow up care.
Initial procedural success can normally be determined if the ear(s) are standing immediately after placement of the device,
Post operative scar created by the incision area required for placement of the implant is a concern with every pet owner. Two one CC tubes of CTI ScarGON gel are included with each device at no charge. Simply wait for the scab to fall off the area naturally then apply a micro-thin coating of ScarGON to the area. Gently rub the ScarGON into the affected area twice a day for up to seven days and the scar will completely disappear! ScarGON gel is available in .50 oz tubes – simply click the ScarGON logo atop the page for details.
Reported Issues
Over 8000 pets have been implanted with PermaStay®. (REV 04.26.2020)
1) Several canines had experienced a mesh migration in years past. It is now advised that corners of the surgical mesh foundation and center of the implant be anchored with a non traumatic dissoluble suture which will last for 60 days or longer avoid this rare but possible occurrence.
2) Four canine ears- where the break of fold was midway – were corrected with PermaStay® but the fold reoccurred below the implanted area but was corrected.
3) Nine canines have developed post operative infections – months after placement. Investigations have proven that post operative trauma to the ear is the sole reason for this occurrence and NOT by PermaStay. Pet owners are advised to seek veterinary assistance immediately should fluid formation occur to prevent an infection which may develop if ignored. Caution and care to avoid severe trauma to the ear must be employed by the pet’s owner for the first six months and a level of caution for the life of the pet. The risk of any post operative infection due to trauma can be eliminated if the issue is addressed when it occurs.
4) PermaStay® was placed in eight canines and the ear still did not stand. Reasons for this may include an unauthorized surgeon’s inability to place PermaStay® properly, post operative trauma to the ear dislodging the support spine when placed into the ear canal when break is at the base of the skull, or severe trauma to the ear in general in which post operative care was ignored by the pet owner,
5) It should be noted that while PermaStay® is safe and effective – pet owners are advised to follow post operative protocol which is important for procedural success. Failure by the pet’s owner to follow post operative cautions may lead to follow up visits to the veterinarian which will add to the overall cost of the procedure.
The PermaStay® procedure should be performed by an authorized certified facility who has been vetted and approved by CTI Corporation or by a surgeon that does ear cropping on a regular basis with a known success rate.
A special thanks to PermaStay Certified Surgeon Dr Estaban Baeza of Street Road Animal Hospital in Trevose, PN for restoring the ear of a German Shepherd with a near the base of the skull break. The pet was restored to perfection.
(Photo Credit: Street Road Animal Hospital)
Frequently Asked Questions
» Can any veterinarian place PermaStay®?
No. Sales to veterinarians, or to pet owners that order providing the PermaStay(s) to the surgeon, are restricted to those vets that do ear crops on a regular basis with a known success rate. The PermaStay® procedure is highly specialized which requires a surgeon with an expertise, passion and forte’ with ears.
» Is there a veterinarian in my area?
PermaStay® maintains a database of over 300 participating clinics and hospitals throughout the US and the World. Please complete the Pet Evaluation Questionnaire linked atop the page for a authorized participating facility in your area or region. Pet owners are provided with full disclosures of the surgeon’s procedure history including the numbers of devices placed.
» What makes a “participating facility a participating facility?”
Our sole concern is procedural success To assure this, we restrict the procedure to veterinary surgeons that perform ear crops on a regular basis with a proven success rate. After each procedure, we contact that veterinarian to make sure the procedure went well. A second follow up contact is made several months later. We attempt to keep in contact with the pet owner encouraging their feedback on how satisfied they are with their pet’s procedure and the veterinary facility. As a result, over the years, we have developed a database with what we consider the best ear specialists in the World.
Meet Klaus a silver Schnauzer from Pennsylvania restored by a Certified PermaStay Surgeon. PermaStay not only restored the bent ear but ended chronic ear infections as airflow to the ear canal is now unobstructed. (Photo Credit: Pet’s Owner)
This two year old Boxer from Arkansas had a midway break on the right ear and was perfectly restored with PermaStay. (Photo Credit: PermaStay Surgeon and pet’s owner)
A special thanks to Certified PermaStay Surgeon Dr Anthony Drake of the Animal Clinic PC in Montgomery, Alabama for providing pics of Ruger the Doberman. The ears were restored with stunning results. (Photo Credit: Dr Drake and Ruger’s owner)
The pet owner of this Doberman Pincher called it “a miracle” as PermaStay Certified Surgeon Dr Estaban Baeza of Street Road Animal Hospital in Trevose, PN restored morbidly bent ears with his amazing skill using PermaStay. The ear infections this pet suffered disappeared as air flow into the ear canals was restored and the ears stand perfectly.
(Photo Credit: Street Road Animal Hospital)
» How long has PermaStay® been on the market?
PermaStay® was in development for nearly five years prior to its introduction in 2010. Development included clinical trials with a host of participating veterinarians specialized with ears. PermaStay® was proven safe and effective prior to release when post-operative care protocol is followed. It is the first product in the history of veterinary medicine to provide a lifelong solution to a bent or broken ear. CTI Corporation is first and only company in the World that has provided safe and effective pet implantation devices for over a quarter century.
» Can the spine in the center of PermaStay® be removed?
The spine serves initially as a crutch to support the ear whilst tissue growth occurs within the mesh foundation. Once tissue growth has occurred, which varies in time from pet to pet, the device can easily be removed. When the spine is removed the ear is normally restored to a natural state. The spine can be removed any time after six months or sooner if there is assurance that tissue growth within the mesh foundation has occurred.
» Is the procedure major surgery?
No. Normal implant time is from 15 to 20 minutes per ear. Watch our instructional video above to see an actual procedure. The level of surgery compares to a neuter or spay. While the surgery itself is not major, the skill and expertise of the veterinarian is essential.
» Are there complications?
With any surgical procedure there are risks of complications. 30% of procedural successful ear crops, for example, fail as the pet’s owner ignores or neglects post-operative care and cautions. With PermaStay®, it is essential that the ear is not severely traumatized especially for the first 90 days. Trauma to the ear can occur in many ways from mild to extreme. If trauma to the ear does occur that does not mean procedural failure will occur. It simply means that a follow-up visit(s) to the surgeon may have to be made to correct the specific issue created by the trauma which is generally accumulated fluid discharge which is easily corrected. In these cases, the pet’s owner should not wait months to correct the issue but should be addressed immediately. Refer to Reported Complications on this page for a comprehensive listing. Complications are generally post-operative issues which arise due to non-intentional owner neglect created by trauma to the ear which can be avoided with proper supervision and awareness.
» What is the complication rate?
PermaStay® maintains a 97% success rate or greater. Complications does not mean procedural failure but can be defined, for example, as any issue listed under Reported Complications on this page. It is estimated that less than 1/4 of 1% of implanted pets result in procedural failure requiring removal of the device. Complications are issues which arise normally are due to non-intentional pet owner neglect.
» How much does PermaStay® cost?
Cost for the entire procedure, including the PermaStay® implant(s) range from $1000 to $2200 or more per ear depending on each veterinarian’s fee schedule and location within the country and complexity of the ear issue.
» What if my pet does traumatize the ear(s)?
If the trauma is severe then the body may react with a fluid discharge. If the fluid is ignored by the pet’s owner and does not absorb back into the body, there is a risk of the fluid decaying-contaminating the ear over time which will lead to an infection. After placement of PermaStay®, check the ear frequently. If you notice an unusual area which may contain fluid contact your vet immediately. The veterinarian will provide either an anti-inflammatory medication or in some cases, drain the ear which is a very inexpensive, simple, quick and painless procedure.
» Are follow up visits required?
Pursuant to the surgical procedure description on this page it is recommended that a follow-up visit to the veterinarian be made three, ten and 30 days following the procedure as a check-up to assure that all is well. The follow-up visits are normally included in the cost of the procedure. These visits include the removal of stitches and general examination of the ear(s) to make sure all is progressing in a satisfactory manner.
» At what age can PermaStay® be placed?
It is recommended that PermaStay® be placed at full growth of the pet- generally after one year of age. It is recommended that the ear be supported with TempoStay® Ear Supports until that time to support the ear(s) as scar tissue will likely form at the breaking point of the ear.Information on TempoStay® can be found by clicking the TempoStay® logo at the top of the page.
» Is post-operative care difficult?
As noted above. it is important to follow veterinary care instructions and avoid trauma to the ear especially for the first six months following the procedure. Avoidance of trauma to the ear for the pet’s life is recommended. PermaStay® is no different than any other procedure for pets or humans. If minimal post-operative care or cautions are ignored the risk of an issue with the pet increases and will add to the overall cost of the procedure.
» Are there medical benefits with PermaStay®?
Yes. In many cases it is important to have a standing ear(s) as it allows air flow into the ear canal which greatly decreases risk of ear infections for the pet. Allowing an infected ear to remain untreated is not only harmful to the pet but can lead to hearing loss in extreme
cases. PermaStay® is the only product in pet history to provide a permanent solution to a bent or broken ear allowing your pet to live a happier and healthier life.
» Who can I call or email to proceed?
For a referral to a certified PermaStay® participating clinic or hospital please complete the Pet Evaluation Questionnaire form by clicking the link atop this page.
For a Certified PermaStay Location Near You or Your Region Complete the Pet Evaluation Questionnaire at the Top of the Page.
Meet Mojo – the Boxer. Midway break restored to perfection, “I can’t believe it” said Mojo’s owner. “Thank goodness for PermaStay as you can never tell the ear was restored with PermaStay – so absolutely perfect.” (Photo Credit: Mojo’s Owner)
To purchase a single PermaStay® click on “Select Options” to choose a size.
Now available with three sized spines on 3” x 4” surgical mesh foundation – 3 ¾”, 2 ¾” and 1 ¾” lengths. Two one CC tubes of ScarGON gel included at no extra charge.
| Size | Each |
|---|---|
| PermaStay® – 3 ¾” L – ONE ONLY | $389 |
| PermaStay® – 2 ¾” L – ONE ONLY | $369 |
| PermaStay® – 1 ¾” L – ONE ONLY | $359 |
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- Uncategorized
PermaStay
- $359.00 – $389.00
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Individual Components of PermaStay®
Please note…
Components of the PermaStay® Ear Implant can be purchased separately including the Surgical Mesh and Fluroplastic Spine. The Mesh alone is recommended for minor ear repairs 1/2 inch or less from the tip of the ear.
VETS: The mesh is also invaluable for other applications including hernia repair.
The Fluroplastic Spine*(TempoStay) is for external ear support only and is not implantable
For questions please call us at 816-690-8337 or contact us for immediate personalized assistance.
Mesh Only
| Size | Each |
|---|---|
| Mesh Only 3″x4″ | $129 |
| Mesh Only ¾” L – SET OF THREE | $359 |
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- Uncategorized
CTI Medical Grade Surgical Mesh
- $129.00 – $359.00
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Spine Only (For external ear support use only)
| Size | Each |
|---|---|
| Spine Only 1 ¾” Mini – ONE ONLY | $47 |
| Spine Only 1 ¾” Mini – SET OF TWO | $89 |
| Spine Only 2 ¾” L – ONE ONLY | $57 |
| Spine Only 2 ¾” L – SET OF TWO | $109 |
| Spine Only 3 ¾” L – ONE ONLY | $67 |
| Spine Only 3 ¾” L – SET OF TWO | $129 |
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- Uncategorized
Spine Only
- $47.00 – $129.00
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Another safe and effective product from CTI Corporation. Advancing pet technology since 1995.
Price includes first class postage with tracking, handling and all related charges.
Orders shipped the same day. Questions? Call us at 816-690-8337 or contact us for instant support.
