Restraint collars. Part I: Elizabethan collars and other types of restraint collars

Abstract

Restraint collars can provide an investigator with a noninvasive means to prevent certain undesirable behaviors and provide a clinician with a nonpharmaceutical method to prevent an animal from inflicting self-injury; without proper use and monitoring, however, these collars can do more harm than good. This first part of our look at restraint collars introduces collar types and proper use. Next month's installment will review specific issues associated with the use of different types of collars for different species.

The vest-collar as a rodent collar to prevent licking and scratching during experiments

“…33 Stress hormone levels measured over time can confirm the adjustment period required for adapting to a collar. 1 In one study, the normal corticosterone level in mice was below 5 ng/mL, although it was over 15 ng/mL during stress. 33 In this study, the stress hormone levels showed no significant differences among groups (Figure 3b).…”

“…Investigators are occasionally required to prevent certain animal behaviours during experiments, such as coprophagy, self-grooming, self-injury, licking of test compounds or post-surgical sites and removal of catheters, plasters and bandages. 1,2 Infection of wounds and post-surgical sites is common, and test compounds are often removed by continuous grooming. 3 To prevent such events from occurring, investigators use various restraint collars for experimental animals.…”

“…2 Although several investigators have reported that experimental animals adapt well to the E-collar and can eat, drink and sleep normally; by just wearing the E-collar it can induce potential stress. 1 Veterinarians have suggested that the E-collar should be immediately removed on completion of an experiment. 5 Conventional E-collars are made of a rigid plastic forming a thin attachment rim, which can chafe the animal's neck region through repeated rubbing.…”

“…Investigators have designed different types of E-collars to solve this problem. 1,2,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] A better collar would be softer on the neck region, while providing firm restriction from licking or scratching. We developed a new restraint collar with a vest to fulfil these requirements.…”

Temporary tarsorrhaphy in the rat

“…Occasionally patients may require a restraint collar to prevent them from dislodging the sutures 7,8 . Animal caretakers should be sure food and water are easily accessible.…”