Java...

[Traci]

The vet should have at least three sizes (sm, med, lrg), if he doesn't, yes you can lay it out flat, cut evenly along the circle with a scissors, just make sure it is one continuous cut so it doesn't have sharp points or edges.

Only cut about a 1/4 inch at a time, then fit it to see if it's ok - if you cut too much, she could still get a paw or claw past the length of the ecollar.

Have you thought about trying the Trimline collar? (it's soft) - not for all pets but if Java isn't going to be an absolute pill after surgery, you could still give it a try. Just never know with the pet, some do ok, others might rip it to shreds.

[Marty]

Thanks Traci! I will try that, if needed. I don't have much available locally, but I did find an inflatable collar at Petsmart...probably the best I can do on short notice around here. We will work something out. If she is comfortable, she is fine....not comfortable, she can be a pill.

She came through surgery fine, and is whining to get out of the crate.
I can bring her home tomorrow!

[Traci]

Here are a few sites that offer e-collars - Some of them might offer express shipping (be warned, fast shipping might cost a lot extra!):

Petmountain Plastic E-collars - they used to have soft ones, and probably still do, the image just isn't showing on their site.

Petco Foam E-Collar

Amazon - Both Plastic and Soft type E-Collars

Entirelypets - Both Plastic and Soft type E-Collars

Just a fair warning on the soft types, they are very flimsy material, they won't often last past the intended use (7-10 days post op which is the usual intent of an e-collar for most surgeries), at least not for cats - but they are nice in that they are flexible to allow eating/drinking etc, and only take about a day for the pet to get used to.

[Marty]

Thanks so much for the links! And more so for being here when needed...you are the best!

[Traci]

Marty, I stocked up on the soft ones for my cats, (since Baby the tuxedo stray had such a horrible injury) from Petmountain, they were reasonably priced and arrived fast (can't remember if I chose express shipping, most likely I did). I use both the plastic and soft ones, depending on the type of injury and the personality of the cat - you can tell within the first hour if the pet is going to be ok with it or not.

For dogs, I generally recommend the plastic ones because most dogs get so rambunctious and love to try to lick and paw - nothing worse than having to get back to the vet for a reopened suture, or infection. Sometimes it is simply tough-love, as hard as it is, but they will get over it, I promise! For really small dogs, the soft-type might be ok for them if they aren't typically rambunctious.

The foam ones are relatively new, and I haven't used them, but I'm willing to bet they would be pretty comfortable for the dog - I do wonder though if it gets too hot near the fur or skin.

When you bring Java home, please please please be sure the vet sends home pain meds for Java - she will fair so much better and recover faster with at least a couple days of pain meds. Also request an instruction sheet for post-op care, and you'll want to have her rechecked in 7-10 days, plus suture-removal.