New Wound Care Product Aims to Eliminate Need for Dreaded Cone of Shame
KeraVet Bio, the maker of KeraVet Gel, an emerging surgical incision and wound therapy, is on a mission to retire the clunky and outdated Elizabethan cone, commonly known as the cone of shame. Until now, the cone of shame has been the go-to protocol to protect pets from licking their wounds, as licking can causes prolonged healing time and infections.
The breakthrough product contains keratin protein and is available by prescription from a veterinary practitioner. The water-based gelatinous (hydrogel) wound dressing is used after a surgical incision or a wound created by an injury. The easy-to-apply hydrogel acts as a protective covering over the wound and is easily dispensed from a small tube.
KeraVet Gel provides the benefits of multiple products in one. It supports improved healing time and reduces the licking. Studies show that wounds treated with KeraVet Gel have significantly less swelling than wounds treated with triple antibiotic ointment in dogs and cats. Made with patent-protected keratin technology, clinical studies show dogs treated with KeraVet Gel licked 85 percent less and cats licked 87 percent less versus a well-known wound management product.
The notorious cone of shame is an uncomfortable and inconvenient experience for the pet and pet parent, causing frustration all around. Dr. Cherice Roth, author and well-known in the veterinary industry as a strategic leader and a telemedicine innovator, says that research shows pets wearing a cone are distressed and depressed. And so are the pet parents. As a result, compliance often fades and wounds linger.
“This product will put the pet and the pet parent out of their misery,” said Roth. “By minimizing the use of the cone, we will change the wound healing standard of care for veterinarians and pet owners.”
A review of social media platforms reveals thousands of pet parent videos sharing the seeming humor of a humiliated pet using the cone of shame. Pets are seen knocking into furniture, attempting to eat, running in circles or just looking forlorn.
“These videos are not funny,” noted Roth, an advisor to the company. “While seeing pets navigate their environment with a cone around their neck can seem humorous, watching these distressed pets is really disturbing. I’m happy to be part of the solution in mitigating their use.”