Westin is a Cone-Head

[KJohnson]

Westin got neutered yesterday and came home late last night (about 8 pm).
He was still pretty drowsy from the medication they gave him, so he just slept until this morning. He's only eaten about a 1/2 cup of food since he came home and drank some water (I won't be worried about that until probably tomorrow morning if he doesn't start eating/drinking more). He started to lick his stitches at about 10 am, so I put the cone collar on him and I think he HATES it.... he stopped walking around and now he just lays next to wherever I am and whines.
I haven't decided if he's whining becuase of the collar or because he hurts, but the vet didn't send him home with any pain medication or anything, so my question is:
should I call and see if I can get him some just in case the whining doesn't stop?
have other vets sent dogs home with pain meds? and just mine that didn't?

I'm a worried mom! I don't want him to be in pain if I can help it.

[glencorgi]

I've had some sent home with pain meds and others that weren't. Not many of mine have seemed to really need the pain meds. Most likely the whining is due to the e-collar being on. Stick one on and it is almost like an instant transformation into the most pathetic little creature on the planet of the Earth. IF he is going to stick right by you where you can monitor him on the stitches, then it'd be okay to take the collar off and use it just when you can't keep an eagle eye on him.

Debbie

[pembrokewcorgi]

Definitely call and ask for some. When I worked in a clinic, the clients had the option for pain meds post op. There could be many reasons vets may not offer meds and I don't have time to list them right now...supposed to be working at work.

He may be whining due to pain or frustration at his limited mobility with the collar. You have to trust your gut and if you think pain meds will help--call. I know I would prefer my guys have pain meds for surgical procedures.

Heal well Westin!
Colleen and da Boys

[MyPemCharlie]

It probably is the cone collar, but I think I might call the vet and ask if baby aspirin would be ok, and how much.

[LaRogue]

I haven't decided if he's whining becuase of the collar or because he hurts, but the vet didn't send him home with any pain medication or anything, so my question is:
should I call and see if I can get him some just in case the whining doesn't stop?

My vet gives the choice of pain meds. I've always gotten them, but I agree he's probably whining because of the collar.

He started to lick his stitches at about 10 am, so I put the cone collar on him and I think he HATES it.... he stopped walking around and now he just lays next to wherever I am and whines.

I'm not a big fan of the E-collar and my vet doesn't like using it on low rider b reeds, except as a last resort. A baby onsies or a bit not collar might be worth looking into. I haven't used the bit not collars, I've only seen them, and I'm not sure how well they work. Maybe someone else knows more about them. They do look pricey.

[KJohnson]

it took a while for him to get used to the cone, but he can ALMOST walk without it catching on the ground and pulling his head (it only happens if he moves too fast)... he learned to eat and drink out of his bowls with it and everything (too cute!) I think more than anything, it is keeping him calm and not as active, which is good. He's stopped whining and is almost back at full force....

[MyPemCharlie]

Originally Posted by LaRogue

My vet gives the choice of pain meds. I've always gotten them, but I agree he's probably whining because of the collar.


I'm not a big fan of the E-collar and my vet doesn't like using it on low rider b reeds, except as a last resort. A baby onsies or a bit not collar might be worth looking into. I haven't used the bit not collars, I've only seen them, and I'm not sure how well they work. Maybe someone else knows more about them. They do look pricey.

I had never heard of a Bite Not collar, so I had to look it up to see what type you were referring to. They are expensive, but look like they'd be relatively easy to make. I am thinking that you could cut open two Koozie drink holders to size and secure them with a couple of Velcro straps. They do look softer and a lot more comfortable...if they work.

[glencorgi]

Bite not collars work very well. I know a little corgi girl that made it through two luxating patella surgeries wearing one. Another option is to get a sheet of foam board from the craft store or the craft section at Walmart and you can create one of your own.

Debbie

[KJohnson]

I had to look it up also!
looks easy enough I suppose.....
but I'm not very crafty,

[MyPemCharlie]

I thought about craft store foam as a first thought after looking at a Bite Not photo, and it seems like it would also work really well. The Koozie's (as a second thought) I already have in my kitchen cabinet. If I can remember to pick up some velcro, I may try it out. Then if/when Charlie ever needs a medical collar, I'll already have it on hand.

[Vannette]

I used a couple of dish towels rolled together to make it thick enough and wrapped it around their neck and diaper pinned it on. It wasn't tight and kind of moved (looked goofy also)but it worked well. I had the cone but they of course hated it.
Vannette

[Cheetah]

Shippo still has his BiteNot collar from his neuter... I overnighted it, because he was just pathetic in the cone... he wouldn't eat or drink, and kept scooping up snow in it lmao... He was back to his old self as soon as I slipped on the BiteNot.