List the 10 reasons why we would wrap a horse leg?
1- Reduce dead space to prevent hematoma/seroma
2- Reduce skin motion around surgical or trauma wound
3- Minimize contamination by protecting from outside exposure
4- Hold the medications on the wound
5- Prevents further injury after the initial injury
6- Compress wound to slow the development of granulated tissue
7- Prevents self-mutilation
8- Immobilize/support for a limb or joint
9- Protects the limb during transport/work/shows
10- Apply pressure to control hemorrhage
Define “proud flesh”
- Granulated tissue that keeps growing over the skin surrounding the wound. (usually in lower leg wounds)
How do we treat “proud flesh” ?
- Wrapping helps slow the development.
- Between wrap, cold hose and wash the wound.
- Debride it, there is no nerves so they don’t feel anything.
- Cover with medical honey or sugar before rewrapping.
Why do we place exercise bandages?
- To give support and protection during exercise
- Also helps prevent them from striking their own legs accidently when running (interfering)
What is the main purpose of a distal limb bandage?
- Limit reduce swelling by applying firm compression.
What are the four layers of a distal limb bandage?
1- Wound dressing (honey, polysporin)
2- Layer to wound dressing
3- Cotton/padding
4- Vet wrap or to standing wrap (The only layer used to apply compression)
Down side to proud flesh? (3)
- Prolongs the healing process to weeks, months or even years.
- Can cost the owner a lot of money, time, and energy.
What is the basis of good bandaging?
the basis of good bandaging is good padding, it’s better too much then too little
A bad wrap/padding can lead to what 4 things?
-Pressure sores
-Pressure necrosis
-Inflammation of tendons and ligaments
-Permanent scaring or regrowth of white hairs.
Define “cording”
-Pressure sores and necrosis of the skin and SQ tissue
Define “bandage bow”
-Tendinitis of the deep digital flexor tendon
Rules to bandaging?
- The pressure should be even throughout the whole bandage
-Bandages should be checked on at least twice daily
Name the things we check for when doing a routine bandage exam ?
-Dislodgement
-Tightness
-Soiling
-Strike-through
-Swelling
-Unraveling material
Ways to prevent bandage chewing in horses?
Not common in large animal unless they are foals. It can be prevented by placing unpleasant tasting liquid on the bandage. Don’t place directly on skin.
What is the reason for using hoof bandages?
Used to cover traumatic of surgical wounds
(should be waterproof and durable= TAPE)
What is the treatment for a hoof abscess?
- Soak the hoof in warm water and Epson salt for 15 minutes then apply a wet poultice to draw out moisture and infection then once all done and dry you can wrap.
How do we check a bandage for proper fit?
- One finger should fit snugly between the bandage and skin
- Check the compression by flicking the bandage and it should sound like a watermelon flick
Explain the padding layer of a distal limb bandage?
- The more compression to be applied, the thicker padding should be.
- This layer should be applied with no pressure.
- Cloth pads and towels are sometimes used.
