Posts Tagged ‘elizabethan collar’

How to Fit an Elizabethan Collar to Your Cat

Buster collars are a common sight to see with pets leaving a veterinary practice and are used most often following a surgical procedure. In this guide, Goddard’s very own Sam Green will demonstrate how to assemble and fit a buster collar to a cat with the assistance of Doda.

What is a Buster Collar?

A Buster Collar, also known as an Elizabethan Collar, is a protective shield worn around the neck of a pet to prevent biting or licking at a surgical wound that could cause the removal of stitches or infections. Buster Collars are most commonly plastic but can be bought as inflatables for additional comfort.

Why Does My Cat Need A Buster Collar?

Following any surgical procedure, your cat’s natural reaction will be to attempt to lick and clean the wound left behind. This is an instinctive reaction, but one that can be harmful to the recovery of your pet. By licking or nibbling at the area it is possible to dislodge stitches added by the vet or to cause infections in the wound. Both of these will cause negative reactions and delay the healing process from the procedure.

Assembling A Buster Collar

After a surgical procedure, you will be given a buster collar for your pet. Collars are available in a range of sizes with smaller ones often an ideal size for a cat. To assemble the collar you will need a stretchy bandage or length of fabric, alternatively, you can connect the collar to your cat’s quick-release collar.

When the collar is assembled it can be gently slid over your cat’s head and into place. This can be a good time to offer a treat as a way to reinforce this as a positive experience. Ensure the collar is fitted appropriately for your cat but that it also allows free movement and is not too tight that it may be excessively uncomfortable.

Bring the bandage to the back of your cat’s neck and tie a loose bow to fix the collar into place Just like a collar, it is recommended that at least a two-finger gap is left to make it comfortable for your pet.

How Long Should the Collar Stay On?

Buster Collars should remain on until all stitches have dissolved or been removed by a vet. During this period your cat should remain indoors to avoid unnecessary activity that lengthens the recovery period or re-opens the wound.

If you are unsure if the time is right to take off your pet’s buster collar, contact your local Goddard Veterinary Practice to get the advice of a veterinarian.

How to Fit an Elizabethan Collar to Your Dog

Elizabethan collars are a common sight in any veterinary practice and play an important role in your pet’s recovery following any surgical procedure. In this guide, Goddard Veterinary Groups Sam Green will show you how to fit a traditional Elizabethan collar to your pet with the help of Shelby.

Why Do Dogs Need Elizabethan Collars?

These can also be known as a buster collar or cone and are worn by dogs after surgical procedures. The aim of pets wearing these collars is to prevent the dog from licking or biting at the stitches. This is a natural reaction for your pet but can have serious and harmful consequences should they dislodge any stitches before the area has healed.

Preparing for a Collar

It may be a good idea to prepare your home environment for your dog to be cone-wearing. It will likely take your dog a few days to adjust their spatial awareness and it is common for furniture to be knocked by the cone as your dog moves through the house.

It is a good idea to move valuables and fragile objects to protect them and to limit the distress they may cause to your pet should items become broken.

Fitting the Collar  

There are a number of types of buster collars available on the market from inflatable collars to fabric, the only stipulation from the collar is that it needs to provide a clear barrier to the surgical area.

Collars also come in a variety of shapes and sizes; your Goddard Vet will ensure they provide you with the best possible fitting collar to make the transition smooth for your pet.

Traditional plastic cones are constricted into shape with the use of a stretchy bandage or fabric material. Once the cone is constructed it can be carefully slid over your pet’s head, treats can be used at this point to keep your pet calm and introduce the use of the cone with a positive experience.

Once around the neck, the collar should be secured with a bow ensuring a fit that leaves some give, our recommended fitting is that two fingers can be fit easily between the collar and your dog’s skin. This leaves ample room for a comfortable experience while it should mean the cone cannot come off. The bandaging or fabric can also be fixed to your dog’s existing collar for extra protection. 

Wearing the Collar

Food and Drink

It is important to make considerations around the home for your pet while they are wearing the collar. One of the most important is their ability to access food and drink. Navigating the cone around bowls and to a place they can consume food and water may be challenging and placing their food at different heights or in different bowls/trays or plates may be required. 

Positive Reinforcement

Using positivity around the cone and making sure your pet is as comfortable as possible is an important factor in their ability to settle into their time wearing it. The use of treats and positive affection is encouraged to improve the experience of your pet throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does My Pet Need a Buster Collar?

The collar should remain on your dog until the stitches have dissolved or have been taken out by your vet. During this time, it is important to keep your pet’s activity levels to a minimum to aid their recovery and limit the chance of damage to the surgical area.

Should I Take an Elizabethan Collar Off at Night?

Your dog’s collar should remain on for the duration of the time it is required, including at night. This removes the temptation of your dog becoming irritated by the area during the night and biting or licking the wound. The cone shape will not cause any discomfort to your pet’s ability to sleep.