Idea Exchange: Minimize ear drainage mess with liners

Whether a cannula is used or the ear is surgically opened and quilted, a lot of bloody drainage results from ear hematoma surgery. This surgery necessitates postoperative placement of an Elizabethan collar, but the collar gets messy and sticky. We have found that cutting an absorptive cage liner and taping it to the interior of the E-collar next to the affected ear results in a cleaner dog, a happier client, and much less collar washing. Give clients a stack of these liners cut to fit and instructions to change them once or twice a day depending on the amount of drainage.

Dr. Gina M. Hanfland

Cottonwood Heights, Utah