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Dawson Creek Veterinary Clinic

logo DC Vet Clinic
238-116 Ave
Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3C8
(250) 782-1080

Dr. Zoë Ross, Dr. Andrew Hodges
Dr. Mike Ross, Dr. Cathy Saker
Dr. Heather Weaver, Dr. Sandy Jameson

 

Bandaging Guidelines

Reasons for Bandaging:

  1. Protection
  2. Support
  3. Treatment of a wound/injury

Types of Bandages:

  1. Shipping bandage
  2. Stable/Standing bandage
  3. Wound Dressing

Types of Bandage Material:

There are many different types and makes of bandages. Ideal bandage material is breathable, non elastic, and easy to clean.

Basic Bandaging Technique:

  1. Start with clean, dry legs and bandages. If there is a wound, make sure it has been cleaned, rinsed and dressed according to your veterinarian’s recommendations
  2. Use a thickness of an inch or more of soft, clean padding to protect the leg beneath the bandage. Apply padding so it lies flat and wrinkle free against the leg (Gamgee or quilts can be used as padding)
  3. Start the wrap on the inside or outside of the cannon bone above the fetlock joint. Do not begin or end over a joint, as movement will tend to loosen the bandage and cause it to unwrap. Do not begin on the front of the canon bone or over the flexor tendons on the back of the leg.
  4. Wrap the leg from front to back, outside to inside (counterclockwise on left legs, clockwise on right legs)
  5. Wrap in a spiral pattern, working down the leg and up again, overlapping the preceding layer by 50%.
  6. When pulling the bandage tight – pull as you move the bandage across the front of the canon bone – do not apply pressure over the tendons.
  7. Use smooth,uniform pressure on the support bandage to compress padding. Make sure no lumps or ridges form beneath the bandage. Too tight can cause pressure points, too loose will not provide support and may fall off and endanger the horse. Rule of thumb – should be able to get finger between bandage and leg at top of bandage.
  8. If applying a travel bandage – the bandage should extend below the coronet band. If applying a stable bandage – the bandage should extend below the fetlock joint (mid pastern)
  9. Extend the bandages to within ½” of the padding on the top and bottom. If there is potential problem with bedding or debris getting into the bandage, seal the openings with a loose wrap of flexible adhesive tape (elastoplasts).
  10. If Velcro is not really good, apply masking tape around the Velcro area of the bandage to provide additional security. Do not wrap more than twice around the leg. (too many wraps can bind and cause injury if the bandage happens to slip)

General rules of thumb:

  1. If treating an injury on one leg, it is a good idea to provide a support bandage on both legs.
  2. When removing bandages, do so quickly by passing the bandage from hand to hand as you unwrap it. Do not try to re-roll the bandage as you remove it. If your horse jumps or spooks and a partially removed bandage begins flying around his legs, you could get into a wreck.