You can get inflatable collars to use instead of the traditional conical buster collars. The advantage of these is that they’re more comfortable and less claustrophobic. Greyhounds have long necks so depending on where the wound is that you’re trying to isolate you may need to use two of them

Commiserations to poor Kitty - and you, in the trials ahead. I'm not sure that an inflatable collar (or even two) would deter a determined greyhound. My Foggy managed to open 2 wounds further up his legs, after the stitches had been removed and the vet nurse advised that no further protection was required. I didn't quite trust that advice so put an inflatable collar and tubi-grip on him when he was unsupervised but he still managed to open both wounds again as soon as my back was turned. A buster collar probably offers the better protection if you can keep it on but maybe you could try a combination of inflatable next the ears and buster behind it, as the inflatable attaches with Velcro and the buster threads through a normal collar. It also depends on the determination of the dog - my Foggy is a very thorough licker.
We wish you luck and a successful outcome - be a good girl Kitty!

When Ellie had the horrendous infection in her right fore paw I tried buster and inflatable collars to no avail. I then took her muzzle, which she's used to wearing anyway, and taped, first the inside and then the outside, with black duct tape. Taping both inside and out prevented anything sticking to her. I left the top holes uncovered for ventilation and she wore it quite happily for the best part of 3 months. She could still drink, albeit messily but she's a bit of a slitter at the best of times!!

Hope all goes well for Kitty and that she makes a quick recovery.

Thank you all so much for these very helpful replies. This is of great help, and it's a great relief to know that buster collars are not the only way. Kitty hates anything covering her head (unless she chooses to hide under her blanket) and these all sound marvellous alternatives.

Kitty had her post-op examination today and the vet is very pleased with her progress so far. We will be back there on Friday, and I'm sure they will be very open to trying the various options. They are an excellent practice, and are always willing to listen to my concerns and take action on Kitty's behalf.

Thank you so much.

Hi Jo.
Should it transpire that the buster collar is the only option, then get a thin bandage and cut four small lengths off it.
Now tie the buster to the neck collar at four equidistant points ( one through the ring for the lead ). Make sure the collar is attached shortly enough that it won't fall over her head.
That usually works.

Hi Celia and Jimmy,
Many thanks for this. Should all else fail that sounds an excellent method.

Hi Jo, Please let us know how you and Kitty get on as shared experiences are always valuable. I hope Kitty makes a complete and uneventful recovery.

Hi Marion,

Many thanks for your kind thoughts and your continued interest. Kitty is progressing well and although one of the stitches is a bit irritated the vet is not overly concerned. She is feeling happy in herself and is enjoying her food and her trips to the garden.

He has approved the trial of a breathable dressing and this seems to be much more comfortable for her. It is held in place by tape and a baby sock. He has also approved the use of Johnsons Veterinary Anti-Chew Training Spray, which is often used to stop both self-harming and interference with injuries (I used this to great effect when Kitty first came home and redesigned all my furniture!). I have sprayed this on her sock and so far this seems to be working. It is recommended that I put either her bootee or her muzzle on overnight so I can get a good night's sleep. So far this all seems to be working well, so with any luck we will not need to resort to a buster collar.

We have a further appointment on Monday to check progress, and provided there are no problems we can continue with this method of treatment. The stitches will probably be removed next Friday or the following Monday.

As of yesterday we are allowed to go for short walks. Yesterday was foul and Kitty wanted to go further. Today was lovely and she refused to walk!

I will update you all next week via this forum. In the meantime please keep your fingers crossed.

Here is an update for Kitty, and I'm delighted to be able to say that we did not need to resort to a buster collar. The baby sock and bootie worked very well, and Kitty did not try to interfere with it. I changed the socks every few days as they did get a bit dirty and I was worried about possible infection. The Johnson Anti-chew Spray was effective initially, but she did become insensitive to it, so I changed to Bob Martin Chew Stop Spray, which certainly did the trick. It smelt vile, so what it tasted like I dread to think, but it certainly worked.

The wound healed very well and the stitches were removed this morning. Unless there are any problems we will not need any further appointments. I have been advised to use the sock for a few more days as licking could cause problems and Kitty is a great licker! But she is comfortable, happy and playful, and it will be good to allow her some longer walks again.

Thanks again to all those who replied to my first email asking for advice. Your suggestions were most helpful.

That’s great news :sunglasses:

Thanks so much for the update Jo and well done Kitty! These are all useful tips for everyone as few greyhounds escape minor (or sometimes major) injuries and appropriate aftercare can make all the difference to a successful and timely outcome.