Eye Removal Surgery/e-collar

[missmindy]

Hi Everyone,

My cat had her eye removed this morning. She has not been able to eat or drink with the e-collar she was sent home in. We tried hand feeding, putting food on the floor, elevated the dishes, used plates, etc-everything we could think of. She tried and tried but couldn't manipulate the cone and and her mouth. I asked the vet's office about a soft collar, and they recommended against it-primarily for cost. It's going on almost 24 hours without her eating and drinking, so I am looking for suggestions for a soft collar.

Has anyone had success with a soft collar that would prevent a cat from being able to scratch/paw at her face? I saw several styles online, but am not sure how they would keep her from getting to her face.

Thank you so much for any suggestions!

 

[danteshuman]

Can you take off her collar for a few minutes every couple of hours (with supervision) and try offering her wet food and water? Then replace the collar? Cost aside I would just pick up a soft collar. Could she still be feeling the effects of sedation? My cats ate/drank just fine with the plastic collar on. Since cats being dehydrated is a big deal I would take her to the vet if this doesn't improve immediately & pick up some saline to inject into her scruff.

 

[missmindy]

Thank you for the reply! I picked up a soft collar about an hour ago, but it isn't working for her. I thought it would be great as it had some structure to it, and a flap to open and allow for eating, but it seemed even more cumbersome. While I was changing it out, I offered her food and water and she scarfed down her food, but didn't drink. The hard cone is back on now unfortunately and she is hiding behind a chair.
She got fluids during the surgery, so hopefully she's ok for a bit. I'll call her surgeon first thing in the morning if she doesn't start drinking on her own.

 

[valentine319]

Are you feeding wet food or dry or a mix? Wet would be better for her especially right now.

You can burrito and syringe some water or food but I would just call and check with the vet. If she had her eye removed this morning they may have given her saline to keep her hydrated.

 

[Antonio65]

Are you sure that the e-collar is the right size?
Probably a smaller size would allow your cat to eat and drink while still protecting the area with stitches.

 

[danteshuman]

How is she doing? Have you tried low salt chicken broth (maybe diluted by half?) if she still isn't drinking?