Comparison of the effects of elizabeth collar and wound protection corset (winpet®) used in the postoperative period on stress and pain levels in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

This study aimed to compare the effects of the Elizabethan collar (EC) and wound-protective corset (WPC) on pain and stress following ovariohysterectomy in cats. The prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial included 26 healthy female cats. After undergoing midline celiotomy, the animals were randomly divided into two groups: the EC group (n=13), where cats wore an Elizabethan collar, and the WPC group (n=13), where cats wore a wound-protective corset. Assessments were conducted before premedication (0) and at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours during the postoperative recovery period. The UNESP-Botucatu Multidimensional Composite Pain Scale (MCPS) and the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale-Feline (CMPS-F) were used for evaluations. Saliva samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for cortisol level measurements. The cats were also observed behaviorally, and undesirable behaviors were assessed. Results indicated no significant differences in CMPS-F and MCPS scores between the groups across all time points (p < 0.05). Rescue analgesic administration was similar between the groups, with 16 instances in the WPC group and 17 in the EC group (p = 0.88). Cortisol levels did not differ significantly between groups (WPC: 0.05 [0.05 - 0.3] and EC: 0.05 [0.05 - 0.8]; p = 0.09). Behaviorally, a significant difference in undesirable behaviors was observed, with 10 of the 13 cats in the EC group attempting to remove their collars or shaking their heads (p <0.01), while no undesirable behaviors were recorded in the WPC group. In conclusion, both WPC and EC demonstrated similar effects on pain and stress in cats after ovariohysterectomy; however, the undesirable behaviors associated with EC use were linked to increased stress. Clinically, WPC may provide a more comfortable recovery experience for cats and serves as a guide for future research.