The Dreaded Cone

Ann

Ann

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Today, on her 10th birthday, Ivy had surgery on her eyelid to remove what we believe is a large cyst but is being tested for melanoma. It was so large that my vet had to put very fine stitches in her eyelid, and she is now sporting one of those lovely Elizabethan collars for the next 10 days. It was fine until the anesthesia wore off but I don't know how we're going to survive it! She can't lay down, get comfortable, drink, sniff the ground to pee....help! Anybody have experience with this? Will she get used to it? My vet gave strict instructions that she has to wear it the whole time except to eat, because if she pulls one of these stitches she'll need to be anesthetized and stitched all over again. We tried one of the soft collars on her when she had surgery on her leg two years ago and it took her all of a minute to flip it the other way, so the hard one has to stay.

Any suggestions for coping would be appreciated! Puppy Prozac?! :eek2:
 
Ann, my Sheltie Buzz was attacked by a Husky two years ago and had to be shaved, stitched up and tubed and was wearing the cone for probably two weeks. The first day I felt so sorry for him because he was not able to lay down and get comfortable with it, drink or eat because it got in the way and had so many other problems doing regular "dog things". This only lasted about a day or two though and then he got use to having it on and after that it really didn't faze him anymore. His favorite thing while wearing the cone was neck scratches from us humans so maybe give that a try with Ivy. I guess it gets itchy around the cone and they're not really able to scratch there and when we did this Buzz looked like he was in heaven.....lol. :smile2:

I just wanted to add that I hope it's good news with the test results and please keep us updated with how Ivy is doing.
 
Poor Ivy.

Ann I hope everything comes out OK on the biopsy from the ?cyst. :wink2: How about an elevated bowl for food and water ? Might help to make it easier to eat and drink. How about a thick pad to lay on and she can just rest the collar on the edge and she should be better for resting and sleeping. :winkgrin: God Bless you and Ivy , hope all turns out ok.
 
Ann, firstly I hope things come out ok with the biospy. As for the cone it sounds like what has been mentioned here so far is a good place to start. I know that Ivy might be miserable with it on but just think of how much trouble it would be for her to have to be re-stitched up and then have to wear the collar longer. I'm sorry I can't offer any advice on how to make it more comfortable, but I really hope all goes well.
 
Thanks, everyone! Ivy is better this morning although still clearly not happy with her new accessory! :uhoh: I take it off for her to put in her eye drops, eat and drink, but she slept through the night once I put her in her nesting bed where she can rest her head as Elaine said on the side. Although the one time she woke up and shook it sounded like there was a road crew drilling in the wall next to her! :eek2: I'll try the neck scratches too, thanks, Buzzed!

The biopsy results will take about a week. My vet said he is fairly sure it's a cyst but is testing to be safe. I'll keep you all posted.
 
Poor Ivy!! I don't have any suggestions, I must admit that my past Sheltie/Beagle mix needed one but I didn't keep it on her. She did pretty well without it. But I completely understand what the vet is saying for poor Ivy and I would keep it on too. Hope everything comes back ok from the tests!! Big wags and licks from the girls!!
 
St Francis solicitations for a benign biopsy! Poor Sadie -- try calling it an Elizabethan Collar. Maybe you can fool her into thinking it's fashion!!
 
Not fair to have surgery on one's birthday ! However, I applaud you and your vet for erring on side of caution. Hope it's all negative.

The e-collars are indeed a nuisance, but the only way to go. My non-sheltie had surgery Halloween night. By day 5 I had abandoned the worthless soft collar and she was pulling off her bandages and nipping at the stitches.

I suspect that Ivy will adjust well... but they do look pitiful bumping into furniture and doorways !
 
My forever pup had one for a period. And I did the same. Gave him a pillow to rest his head on to keep it elevated.

He got used to it pretty quick though - albeit the first couple of days were pretty horrid - he kept looking at me with those sad eyes as it to say "Why would you do this to me?" - these pups are amazingly resilient. I think when we could finally take it off, he didn't know what to do with himself! :lol:
 
Good news...my vet called to say that the tumor he removed from Ivy's eye was benign. And she's adjusted, as everyone said she would, to the cone which I am happy to report she is still wearing with no problem. Neither of us can wait, though, until Friday when her stitches finally come out! But her eye looks fine, and so far so good.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and good thoughts! :winkgrin:
 
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