Bellatrix
Size 1Spay
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Spaying female dogs and cats
After spaying, a calm recovery
A spay wound is small and usually heals without problems: what matters is that your dog or cat doesn’t lick, bite or scratch it during recovery. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect it without an Elizabethan collar.
Reviewed by Eulalia Pérez, vet and surgeon, creator of MIMAR®
The wound
Why it needs protecting
In most spays a small incision is made in the abdomen (laparotomy). It is a clean wound that heals in a few days, as long as it is well protected.
The problem arises when the animal licks, bites or scratches: the wound can become irritated, contaminated, infected or even open up. That prolongs recovery and means going back to the clinic.
LickingThe tongue carries bacteria and softens the edges of the wound.
BitingIt can pull out stitches and open the wound.
ScratchingWith their hind legs they can reach the wound, even when wearing a cone.
Dog or cat
What changes in each case
For dogs
Suit with the rigid neck plate
The plate goes into the neck pocket and acts like a collar: it limits head turning so she can’t reach the wound or take the suit off.
When she’s supervised or out on a walk with you, you can remove it so she’s more comfortable.
For cats
The suit alone is usually enough
Most cats don’t need the rigid neck plate, which means greater wellbeing for your cat.
At first some cats freeze or walk strangely. It’s normal: put it on and take it off a few times and they get used to it quickly.
The first few days
What’s normal and when to call the vet
It’s normal
- The wound looks clean, dry and with its edges together.
- A little swelling around the stitches in the first few days, which goes down.
- Some tiredness and less appetite on the day of the operation.
See your vet if
- The wound gets redder or more swollen.
- It oozes, bleeds or smells bad.
- You see loose stitches or the wound opens.
- She’s listless, isn’t eating the next day or shows signs of pain.
If in doubt, it’s best to ask: your vet knows how the surgery went and what to expect in your case.
≈ 1week
How long does it need to be worn?
Your vet decides, depending on the surgery and how the wound heals. After a spay it is usually around a week, until the check-up or the stitches are removed.
That’s why MIMAR® is available through the clinic: the vet assesses whether it is suitable, chooses the size and tells you how long to keep it on.
MIMAR® vs the Elizabethan collar
The same protection, with greater wellbeing
| During recovery after surgery | Elizabethan collar | MIMAR® Suit Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Stops her licking or biting the wound | Yes | Yes |
| Stops her scratching it with her hind legs | No | Yes |
| Protects the wound from dirt, with antimicrobial fabric | No | Yes |
| Need for uncomfortable bandages | Yes | No |
| Eats, drinks and sleeps as normal | With difficulty | Yes |
| Goes for walks without bumping into doors or furniture | No | Yes |
For spaying, the long suit is used, which covers the chest and abdomen. The size is chosen by weight: see the size guide.
Real cases
Spayed at the clinic, sizes 1 to 5
Seven dogs and one cat, ordered by size. In every case the suit was worn for 6 to 8 days, as advised by the clinic.
150 dogs and 12 catsDuring its clinical development, the suit was tested on around 150 dogs and 12 cats before going on the market.
Miau
Size 2Spay
See the wound
Miau’s wound during recovery with the suit.
Lily
Size 2Spay and inguinal hernia
See the wound
Lily’s wound during recovery with the suit.
Blanqui
Size 2Spay
See the wound
Blanqui’s wound during recovery with the suit.
Dana
Size 3Spay
Lúa
Size 4Spay
Perla
Size 4Spay
See the wound
Perla’s wound during recovery with the suit.
Lassy
Size 5Spay due to pyometra
The wound photos are hidden: only open them if you want to see them.
Common questions at the clinic
Does she need to wear the suit all the time?
Yes, throughout the recovery period, day and night, until your vet tells you it can come off.
Does she need to keep the rigid neck plate in?
Not always. When she’s supervised and when you take her out for a walk, you can remove it. Put it back in when she’s left alone or at night.
Can my pet go to the toilet with the suit on?
Yes, the suit does not interfere with any bodily function: she can eat, drink, urinate and defecate as normal.
What if my cat won’t move when she’s wearing it?
It’s common at first. Put it on and take it off several times so she gets used to it; in most cases she’ll adapt quickly.
Can it be used again?
Yes. It is machine washable at 30 °C maximum and reusable, for example for another operation or for another animal of the same size.
Before surgery, ask your clinic about MIMAR®
If you’re getting your dog or cat spayed, mention it to your vet when you book the appointment. That way they’ll have the right size ready on the day of the operation and you’ll both leave the clinic without a cone.
- Ask your vet for it when you book the surgery.
- If your clinic doesn’t stock it yet, your vet can order just the size they need, with no minimum.
- On the day of the operation, they’ll fit it and explain how long to keep it on.
This information is for guidance only and does not replace the judgement of your vet, who assesses each case.