Effects of Elizabethan Collar and Wound Protection Corset on Pain and Discomfort Levels in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

Objective: To compare the impacts of Elizabethan collar (EC) and wound protection corset (WPC) on pain and discomfort levels in cats following ovariohysterectomy. Study design: Prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Animals: Twenty-six healthy female cats. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to two groups after midline celiotomy: One group wore an EC (n = 13), and the other wore a WPC (n = 13). Pain was evaluated using the Composite Measure Pain Scale-Feline (CMPS-F) and the Multidimensional Pain Scale (MCPS) at intervals of 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, with the requirement for rescue analgesia recorded. Discomfort was assessed through cortisol levels, behavioural observations and the frequency of misbehaviours. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups at all time intervals for CMPS-F and MCPS (p < 0.05). Rescue analgesic administration was similar between the groups, with 16 administrations in the WPC group and 17 in the EC group (p = 0.88). Cortisol levels also showed no significant difference between groups (WPC: 0.05 [0.05-0.3] vs. EC: 0.05 [0.05-0.8]; p = 0.09). Behavioural observations revealed significant differences in misbehaviours, with 10 out of 13 cats in the EC group attempting to remove their collars or exhibiting head shaking (p < 0.01), whereas no misbehaviours were noted in the WPC group. Conclusion: Both EC and WPC provided comparable pain management; however, the significant misbehaviours associated with EC use suggest increased discomfort level.