The infamous e-collar isn’t the most comfortable option for our pets, but ensuring they don’t injure themselves after surgery is critical for healing.
When you pick up your pet from surgery, your vet will likely have put them into an Elizabethan collar, or e-collar for short. These ridiculous-looking plastic cones serve an important purpose after your pet’s surgery to keep them on the mend. These collars don’t come without problems though, so it’s important to know your options and keep a close eye on your furry companion to avoid any issues with post-surgery healing.
Why Does Your Pet Need an E-Collar?
When you pick at a scab, it will often result in the wound reopening, some bleeding, and a longer healing time with a higher possibility of scarring. This same logic applies to animals and surgery sites. An e-collar prevents your pet from biting, scratching, or otherwise agitating their surgery site by providing an effective barrier. Wound sites that can’t be easily seen are a particular risk because you might not notice any problems right away if your pet has disrupted the site. Even a small opening in the wound can allow for infection and other issues, requiring another vet visit, more medications, and a longer healing process. This is not ideal for you or your companion, so it’s important to keep an e-collar or suitable alternative on them during the healing process.
Are There Suitable Alternatives?
Yes! If your pet is struggling with the collar, has fitting issues, or you just want something less cumbersome, there are other options available. Whether it’s an e-collar or an e-collar alternative, always remember to keep a close eye on your pet to make sure it is working as intended and they can’t access their surgery site.
Fabric Collars
Fabric collars provide the physical barrier, but are softer and can be a bit more comfortable if your pet is struggling with the plastic e-collar. These are still big and cone-shaped, but they have some give which can make it easier for your pet to do daily activities like eating, drinking, and sleeping a little more comfortably. Make sure the collar is correctly sized and does not have enough wiggle room to allow your pet to reach their wound site, otherwise the collar won’t serve its purpose.
Inflatable Collars
These somewhat resemble a doughnut or the pillows people use to sleep on planes. These can work in some cases but require closer monitoring since they do not provide a barrier between your pet’s face and the wound site. In addition, they’re inflatable which makes them vulnerable to punctures. Once it’s deflated, it won’t do its job.
Onesies
In some cases, a onesie can be a good option. This will depend on the location of the surgery site, and the mannerisms of the animal. If your pet prefers licking to scratching, a onesie can protect the site from being heavily disrupted. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work well if they lick excessively or will scratch or bite at the surgery site.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the plastic e-collar—unwieldy as it is—is your best bet for keeping your furry companion healthy while they heal from surgery. It’s a temporary inconvenience, and most pets will adjust to it without too much trouble. In some cases, however, alternatives might be necessary for some pets. It’s a good idea to discuss the options with your veterinarian to ensure you get the best alternative collar for your pet so you can keep them safe and healthy while they heal.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.