Soft versions of the e-collar: Many brands are available, one of which is the Comfy ConeTM. Dogs will happily demonstrate their ability to rub their eyes while in a kennel by pushing the e- collar against the bars until their eyes are exposed. Collar sizes are selected so that they extend 1-2” beyond the end of the nose, when positioned at the base of the neck. Examples include Buster ClicTM, Kong EZ CollarTM, and VETVIEWTM, with the latter two having a soft vinyl covering around the neck to limit chaffing. This collar type is currently the classic protection device used in dogs with corneal ulcerations, injuries and following ocular surgery. Rigid plastic e-collars: Opt for the clear versions to improve visibility. The dogs eat, sleep and drink with them in place, provided they are fitted properly, and fed in weighted food and water dishes that are smaller than the diameter of the funneled collar. These collars are designed to be worn 24/7. Elizabethan collars also hinder hand biting by aggressive dogs when instilling eye medications. An added benefit of e-collars in contrast to goggles, visors and masks, is that they do not require removal to medicate the eyes. In general, use of e-collars is indicated for dogs with eyes that are fragile or in which self-trauma has been observed. PROTECTIVE NECK COLLARS: Aka Elizabethan collars or e-collars In addition to limiting the risk of self- trauma, these protection devices act as rigid “bumpers” to guard against injury to eyes that are healing, yet have impaired vision. Bacteria and other microorganisms are also introduced to corneal wounds, further increasing the risk or severity of infection. The major complications of self-trauma are eyelid skin abrasion and hair loss, dehiscence (breaking down) of sutures placed in the eye and eyelid, and rupture of deep corneal ulcers. While dogs infrequently try to rub their eyes directly, they are much more likely to rub them through closed eyelids using their paws, pillows, furniture, blankets, carpet, etc. Eyes that are fragile, such as those with deep corneal wounds (ulcers) or following surgical repair, must be protected from self-inflicted or inadvertent injury that could complicate healing or lead to vision threatening consequences. The most common reason eye protection devices are used in the dog is to prevent self-trauma.
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