Elizabethian collar (e-collar)

[SweetLayla]

Has anyone ever used an elizabethian collar to help treat hot spots? Layla is still having trouble with hot spots and she is causing them to spread by constantly licking and bitting them. The vet reccomended we use a topical ointment and the e-collar to prevent the constant bitting untill they are able to heal. I have never used an e-collar before and she is an old english bulldog so she has a thick neck, will it be too uncomfortable for her, is she able to lay down comfortably with that big thing on? We are picking up the meds and collar tomorow, I know it will be worth it in the long run b/c the hot spots are painful!

 

[ledoc]

Most dogs settle down very well within an hour or so of putting the collar on. At first you might get some strange behaviour like walking backwards in an attempt to "reverse out" of the collar, but most dogs if left alone will adapt very quickly.

And it certainly is worthwhile - the skin heals much faster if left alone (i.e. not being constantly licked).

Hope that helps

 

[elegy]

i've had two dogs have to wear e-collars. they can be kind of dangerous with them on (especially when they come up behind you at a high rate of speed and nail you in the backs of the legs with their cone) but most of the time dogs adjust pretty well to them.

 

[SweetLayla]

great! I just want her to get over these hot spots b/c it kills me to see her in pain! Can they eat and drink ok with it on or should i take it off for that, did you let them sleep with it on? She chews bad at night!

 

[HoundedByHounds]

I usually use a bath towel instead...with some duct tape wrapped around. Like a human neck brace. It restricts turning the head but leaves them a lot freer.

 

[ledoc]

No point in taking it off at night if that is when most of the damage is done. Check if she is able to eat and drink (might take a while to adjust to it) and then just leave the collar on for as long as is necessary - ie until the skin problem is resolved.
Taking it off at meal times is an option as long as you stick around and prevent her getting at the skin you are wanting to heal - even a minutes worth of licking while your back is turned will prolong the healing process.

Good luck

 

[SweetLayla]

Tried the e-collar and she pulls it off every time! I know we put it on right, even tightened the collar but she still gets it off! The hot spot med. is sulfer based and while it is non toxic to animals it says if she lickes it she could have nausa and vomiting and to use an e-collar with it, I don't know what to do next! Any advice.................

 

[HoundedByHounds]

did you try the towel?

 

[SweetLayla]

I do not have any duck tape(will have my hubby pick some up in a few) can u tell me exactly how to do it? Will she be able to pull it off? She used her front paws to puch the e collar over her head

 

[HoundedByHounds]

well you fold it lengthways...do a test run and wrap it around their neck to see how wide it should be...you want it just behind the ears...down to almost the shoulder. it should go around once and a half typically. Bigger body sized towels work best on larger breeds.

You then once you have the tape...pull it snug,...not chokingly tight but snug, as it will loosen a bit as the dog wears it...then go around with the tape as much as you feel you need to.

Cleo wore this when she had her hot spot. It worried her less because she could still lie, eat, drink, and see normally...just not reach BACK to nibble.

 

[lizzybeth727]

The towel is very similar to the Bite Not collar (google it for a website). I know many vets are starting to carry the Bite Nots, maybe you could call around and see if you can find one. The difference would be that it might be a little longer than the towel (although it's possible it would be too long for a bulldog), and there's a harness-type thing attached to it so that your dog will not be able to slip it off his head.

 

[SweetLayla]

Thanks for all the advice, I'm going to try the towel idea now....wish us luck!

 

[SweetLayla]

Just an update......the towel idea worked great! She has had it on for several days and it doesn't seem to bother her at all!! Thanks!

 

[youbetcha1018]

If you leave her with it on, check the area she'll be in carefully for hazards - places she could get the collar stuck, or things she could knock over with it. Otherwise it should be fine, they're meant to be worn 24/7. It takes a couple days for them to get used to it, and it's hard to watch, but hang in there.

 

[dogaddict]

We had to collar once and after looking puzzled, my dog got used to it quite fast. I would suggest not removing the collar until the problem is solved, my dog could eat, drink and play with no problems, other than looking silly. I think it really helps in getting those spots healed quickly. Good luck!