Abstract: A cover for protecting a surgical site wound on an animal includes a rectangular main body, a hole through the main body, and a strap. The body includes a first end and a second end including a tab joinable to the first end under the animal's neck. The main body includes a fabric on a first side and the fabric on a second side opposite the first side. The hole is designed to allow an esophagostomy tube to pass through the main body and to inhibit tearing of the rectangular main body by including stitching around the aperture. The strap is coupled to the first side of the main body. The strap is between the first end and the second end. The strap extends substantially across a short side of the rectangular main body. The strap is configured to secure the esophagostomy tubes against the cover.
Abstract: A cover for protecting a surgical site wound on an animal includes a rectangular main body, a hole through the main body, and a strap. The body includes a first end and a second end including a tab joinable to the first end under the animal's neck. The main body includes a fabric on a first side and the fabric on a second side opposite the first side. The hole is designed to allow an esophagostomy tube to pass through the main body and to inhibit tearing of the rectangular main body by including stitching around the aperture. The strap is coupled to the first side of the main body. The strap is between the first end and the second end. The strap extends substantially across a short side of the rectangular main body. The strap is configured to secure the esophagostomy tubes against the cover.
Abstract: The invention is a method for protecting the neck of an animal following surgical insertion of an esophagostomy tube. The e-Tube protective collar prevents injury to the surgical site, provides stabilization of the e-Tube and prevents accidental or deliberate removal of the tube by the animal. The collar is constructed of two layers of fabric which encircles the animal's neck and fastens via hook and loop fastener strips under the neck allowing for adjustment of tightness. There is a stitched hole in the fabric for the e-Tube to pass through which is then held stable once the collar is placed around the animal's neck. The collar has a hook and loop fastener strip disposed on the top face to fold over the loose end of longer e-Tubes and hold them flat against the collar. The collar requires minimal dressing for the wound and protects it while allowing it to “breathe”.