Spaying/neutering query post op.

[Biscuits_mam]

Hello All

Quick question really, when Biscuit was neutered at the home back last year the vet and staff advised that the 'lampshade collar' caused stress to the dogs so the home operate a no lamp shade policy therefore Bisc's wounds were left to heal and we kept an eye out for licking. He was fab with out it & he healed perfectly fine.

Today our pup 5 1/2 months was spayed at Dogs Trust as that's where she came from, but although I thought she was a little too young, she's also come home with the lampshade collar. Poor willow is stressing out with it so we have removed it, but do you have any thoughts and experiences on this? The aftercare sheet they provided states the collar must be worn at all times. We are about confused, any advice would be appreciated. Her stitches are internal only.

Thanks

Nicola

[gsdsian]

From a rescue point of view 5 1/2 months isn't too young. There are lots of different opinions on timing of spaying but I've always had my bitches spayed before their first season with no problems.

I personally use a buster collar if they are unsupervised (or licking at them when supervised). I've known of more than one dog that's had complications after removing their own stitches but there are different collars available if your girly doesn't like the plastic style one. Including soft collars and inflatable ones. I've always found that dogs do get used to them, but the backs of your legs will take longer to recover.

You can also use a t-shirt or similar to cover the stitches but you may need to take it off for toileting.

Just read that she only has internal stitches, the above applies but you may well find that she's not bothered by the wound and you can relax a little bit more.

You don't say when she had the op, but I'm assuming today? If so she may be a bit disorientated from the anaesthetic which won't help. Hopefully she'll be feeling better soon and your biggest problem will be keeping her quiet

[Biscuits_mam]

Thanks for the reply, yes the op was today. She is drowsy..but hasn't licked the wounds yet. Can't separate her from Bisc either as they pine for each other..so complicated!

I will try a shirt if she starts to lick the area I think..Bisc doesn't like the head collar on her and keeps chewing at it! Dogs hey, worse than children.

Yes I have done some research as she a lurcher and classified as a large breed I had my doubts at the age, but hopefully it won't effect her growth.

New to the whole head collar as every vet has a different opinion on them. I be never used one before either.

[Biscuits_mam]

Have*

[gsdcardiff]

Hi,

All rescues seem to be neutering much earlier these days. We recently got a 14 week cat from Catwell and he had already been neutered. As far as collars go I would say that all pets are different and what suits one may not suit all. If you are able to supervise, then you could try without the collar and see how things go, but I would put a collar on when you can't supervise as damage can be done very quickly. As sian said there are lots of different styles and hopefully one will work for you. We tried a rigid collar (Bite not), but our dog was able to remove it!
Good luck and if you're worried don't be afraid to pick up the phone to the Dogs Trust, I'm sure they would be happy to speak to you on this issue.

Hi gsdsian - I think we know each other from the GSD training club. I'll private message you so as not to hijack this thread!