far_kenell_73 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Hi Guys, Just 2 days ago we got our 10 month old male Golden Retriever desexed. It went really well, my only problem is the vet told us to leave the Elizabethan collar on for 10 days until the stitches come out. While we are around him we take the collar off and on the odd time he goes to lick down there we tell him no and he stops. The problem with the collar is it's ruining our house and probable hurting dex when he walks it into things. We have to leave him for a few hours tomorrow and I don't want to leave the collar on him while we are out, are there any alternatives to stop him pulling the stitches out, he really doesn't seem bothered by them, but is there something else we can do to stop him licking them. Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimax Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) If he's not bothered by them, and not touching them, is there is a need to leave the collar on? There are alternatives to the elizabethan collars, including soft collars (so they don't bash into things!), and soft rings that go around the neck (sort of like those small blow-up pillows you take in the car to sleep on that go around your neck). I'm sure others here will have more detail on them though, or use the forum search function and you'll come up with a heap. I just put a wound dressing on my pups stitches when she was alone, didn't bother with the collar, and that suited her best. Edited May 24, 2012 by minimax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I got my girl desexed and refused the collar and the stitches lasted fine. Actually I've never used a collar for desexing and that's 2 boys 2 girls no worries. So long as you can monitor them I don't see the fuss. years ago all dogs were desexed without use of the collar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smooch Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 recent topic on the same http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/237722-going-to-bed-without-chewing-stitches/page__p__5841131__fromsearch__1#entry5841131 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I'd get a good muzzle, I have used a Jafco muzzle for the same reason and it was much better than an e collar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
far_kenell_73 Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 Thanks for all the advice, I feel alot better now that he doesn't have to always have it on. It was just the way the vet said it made it sound like it had to be on him for 24/7 for the next 10 days. He's had it off all day and so far hasn't licked the wound. Thank again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I got my girl desexed and refused the collar and the stitches lasted fine. Actually I've never used a collar for desexing and that's 2 boys 2 girls no worries. So long as you can monitor them I don't see the fuss. years ago all dogs were desexed without use of the collar. Same here. I have never had to use an E collar on any dog after any sort of surgery. They used to be the exception for dogs that just wouldn't leave the wound alone but now they seem to stick them on every dog and I have no idea why. I always ask for minimal clipping because I find they worry far more about clipper rash from a large clipped area than they do about stitches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaiGSD&Cav Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 My recent rescue foster wouldn't leave his alone and managed to get the stitches out with the collar on. Thankfully the wound had healed, I agree that it was more so the clipper rash that was bothering him more. The collar was ridiculous and he bumped into everything, including us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I have had so many cats & dogs desexed & have never needed a collar. Leave it off if he isn't bothered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Hi Guys, Just 2 days ago we got our 10 month old male Golden Retriever desexed. It went really well, my only problem is the vet told us to leave the Elizabethan collar on for 10 days until the stitches come out. While we are around him we take the collar off and on the odd time he goes to lick down there we tell him no and he stops. The problem with the collar is it's ruining our house and probable hurting dex when he walks it into things. We have to leave him for a few hours tomorrow and I don't want to leave the collar on him while we are out, are there any alternatives to stop him pulling the stitches out, he really doesn't seem bothered by them, but is there something else we can do to stop him licking them. Thanks in advance If he had to wear the collar, I'd have recommended he be crated in it. No walking into things then. You can also get bitter tasting sprays that can be used to deter licking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubitty Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 If you have time to watch him and he's not licking then just don't use it. Our girl was never given a collar when she was desexed and anytime she licked I just said "No Bitty". She barely licked at all and healed up very quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazyWal Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) Hi Guys, Just 2 days ago we got our 10 month old male Golden Retriever desexed. It went really well, my only problem is the vet told us to leave the Elizabethan collar on for 10 days until the stitches come out. While we are around him we take the collar off and on the odd time he goes to lick down there we tell him no and he stops. The problem with the collar is it's ruining our house and probable hurting dex when he walks it into things. We have to leave him for a few hours tomorrow and I don't want to leave the collar on him while we are out, are there any alternatives to stop him pulling the stitches out, he really doesn't seem bothered by them, but is there something else we can do to stop him licking them. Thanks in advance If he had to wear the collar, I'd have recommended he be crated in it. No walking into things then. You can also get bitter tasting sprays that can be used to deter licking. I have a bitter taste liquid that I buy from the vet.Both of my greyhounds are chronic lickers and a little bit of this around the wound.....will not touch it.They look like they have just sucked on a lemon if they try :) Edited May 24, 2012 by stans mum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alibi Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I know its too late for the the op now but intradermal stiches are great. When i was vet nursing our clinic changed to intradermal sutures for all desexings (dogs and cats male and female) which pretty much eliminated the need for e-collars, we only ever had one male dog get his out partly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyra Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Comfy Cones are a soft type of E collar that are much better - they do much less damage and so much more comfy for the dog i think. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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