By Craig Wallace, KeraVet Bio Board Member
Cats, known for their independent and sometimes elusive nature, can experience significant stress when visiting the veterinary clinic and when aftercare is required at home. This stress not only affects the feline patients but also adds challenges for veterinarians and caregivers. However, innovative wound management solutions are emerging to minimize stress.
KeraVet Gel was developed specifically for dogs and cats and to support better wound outcomes and while also reducing the need for physical interventions such as the E-collar, better known as the cone of shame. E-collars can cause stress and anxiety to an already stressful situation.
First, there’s the wound or need for surgical intervention. Stressful.
Then, there’s the visit to the veterinarian’s office to either treat the wound or undergo surgery. Stressful.
Finally, there’s the aftercare, which for wounds and incisions can often include multiple products and multiple steps and, worse yet – the cone of shame. EXTREMELY STRESSFUL.
KeraVet Gel is a single-step solution that supports better, faster wound outcomes and reduces licking behavior in cats by 87%. By eliminating the licking behavior, the need for the E-collar is also removed. The E-collar is not only uncomfortable and restrictive but also causes stress and anxiety in many pets, and that has two negative outcomes. The first is prolonged healing. Pets experiencing stress recover at a slower place than those who have not. This is because pets that are stressed secrete more cortisol – a natural anti-inflammatory. While this sounds wonderful bodies rely on inflammatory cytokines to help guide the healing process. When good inflammation is decreased, the healing process takes longer! The second is that many pet owners are unwilling to put the E-collar on their pets. They see their pet’s discomfort, and it makes them uncomfortable to put it on them. Low aftercare compliance is an issue that not only can extend the healing timeline but can unintentionally create secondary effects such as wound infections or dehiscence.
KeraVet Gel, a keratin-based hydrogel reformulated from the human medical market, is safe for dogs and cats. It includes a strong bitterant that is safe to apply to the cat and even safe for the cat to consume if they are avid lickers. KeraVet Gel has undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing on cats, showing no harm to internal organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. This makes it a safe and effective choice for our feline companion.
As technology continues to advance, the well-being of our feline companions during veterinary visits can be greatly enhanced. By new, innovative solutions, veterinary professionals can create a more compassionate and stress-free environment for cats, ultimately improving their overall health and the quality of care they receive. As we embrace these medical advancements, the bond between cats, their owners, and veterinarians can strengthen, ensuring a positive and anxiety-free healthcare experience for our feline friends.