Firstly, we’d like to thank you for choosing to adopt. By doing so, you are providing a second chance to an animal in need. You may have noticed a funny looking dish around your adopted animal’s head (generally if female). It goes by a few names, some of which include:
Elizabethan collar
Cone of shame
Pet lamp-shade
Pet radar dish
Pet satellite dish
Whilst awkward, this dish serves a very good purpose. It keeps you animal’s ‘bits’ safe… and by bits, we mean an area/s that they shouldn’t be biting, licking or scratching. It allows wounds/surgery sites to heal and prevents sutures from being prematurely dislodged. This brings us to our next point… Your adopted animal has just undergone an intensive surgery! Yes, their bits have not long ago been removed and their body is in need of time to heal without their interference (no matter how well intended). Please keep their cone on for 10-14 days post-surgery (healing time varies between each animal). At this time their sutures can be safely removed by a vet and their cone will no longer be needed…. WOOHOO!
Most vet clinics will remove sutures at no cost to you (note* some vet clinics may apply a charge for this service). Please make enquiries with vet clinics local to you prior to suture removal.
If you have no luck, your adopted animal can be taken back to the vet detailed on their desexing certificate for suture removal at no cost to you. If you have any questions about your adopted animal or the rescue they came from, please do not hesitate to email us at info@savinganimalsmatters.org.au