2026-01-26 – Weekly Veterinary Technician News : E-collar bowling mishaps in recovery

Last week, the forum buzzed with practical conversations around improving patient care and handling unexpected challenges. Members shared experiences about managing feline patients with e-collars, sparking a lively discussion on how to minimize stress during recovery. Another hot topic was the need for safe enrichment options for hospitalized chinchillas, highlighting the growing interest in enhancing the welfare of exotic pets. Equipment reliability also took center stage, with several threads discussing the choice of capnographs for small animals and the best practices for using tourniquets during canine emergencies.


This Week’s Hot Topics

E-collar bowling during recovery
A humorous yet insightful thread on managing cats who turn their e-collars into wrecking balls. It’s all about balancing safety and sanity.
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Safe enrichment for hospitalized chinchillas
An engaging discussion on creative ways to keep chinchillas stimulated and happy during their hospital stay. Important for anyone working with exotic pets.
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Tourniquets for canine trauma in transit
Exploring the pros and cons of using tourniquets in emergency transport situations. A must-read for anyone involved in canine care.
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The toothbrush demo that bit back
A cautionary tale about a dental demonstration that didn’t go as planned, reminding us all to expect the unexpected.
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Reliable capnograph for tiny patients
Choosing the right capnograph can be tricky, especially for small patients. This thread offers valuable insights into making informed decisions.
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Quick enrichment wins for exotic inpatients
Looking for fast and effective ways to enhance the lives of exotic inpatients? This discussion offers plenty of creative solutions.
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When the monitors go full Broadway
A lighthearted look at the chaos that ensues when monitoring equipment decides to act up. A reminder of the importance of staying calm under pressure.
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Why no cuffed tubes in birds
A technical discussion on the risks of using cuffed endotracheal tubes in avian patients. Essential reading for anyone working with birds.
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What flags hypoventilation first
Discussing the early signs of hypoventilation and how to catch them. This thread is crucial for those involved in anesthesia monitoring.
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Hay probe and moisture meter you trust
Choosing the right tools for monitoring hay quality is vital. This conversation offers recommendations from the field.
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Thanks for catching up with this week’s happenings. Stay curious and keep sharing your valuable experiences with the community. See you next week.

Had the e-collar bowling last week — swapped to a small donut for the first hour post-extubation and packed rolled towel bumpers; bowling stopped and RR came down. If the donut won’t protect the site, I edge the plastic cone with moleskin and clip it to a breakaway harness so it doesn’t sledgehammer the floor, @Marta_RVT. Donuts are great for spays/dentals, but I switch back to a cone for forelimb wounds.

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Piggybacking on @kate_brenner47’s donut trick: we tape a thin strip of soft roll (or moleskin) around the e-collar rim and toss a non-slip shelf liner on the kennel floor — stops the “bowling” without swapping collars. Caveat: I skip the rim padding for oral/face cases or big chewers and go recovery suit + short cone instead.

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I once had a patient who was super anxious with the e-collar, so I used a soft baby blanket to give them a little extra comfort in their kennel. It really seemed to help lower their stress levels during recovery. Sometimes, simple solutions can make a big difference.

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