Applying Bandages

Applying Bandages 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M System http://aevm.tamu.edu

Objectives • Discuss reasons to bandage or not bandage patients for medical treatments • Describe types of bandages • Describe techniques for applying bandages

Why? • Not usually needed • Applies pressure • Support • Medication • Protection • Contamination • Irritants • Movement restriction

Common bandage sites • Lower limbs • Knee/hock to foot • Difficulties • Head • Upper body

Precautions • Tightness • Discomfort • Lameness • Circulatory interference • Pressure necrosis • Cleanliness • Dry • Clean

Re-bandaging • Clean • Re-medicate • Promotes healing • Excess joint movement • Causes irritation • Tissue granulation

Environmental factors • Weather • Humidity • Heat • Rain • Secondary infections • Insects • Cause irritation • Repellents

Animal itself • Tail • Grass • Licking • Rubbing

Types of bandages • Wound • Pressure Wound Bandage on Dog Pressure Bandage on Horse

Wound Bandage • Use • Cover wounds • Padding • Gauze • Cotton • Disposable diaper • Top wrap • Elastic wrap • Vet wrap • Roll gauze • Possibly tape

How to Apply Wound Bandages • Step one • Be sure that paw and hair coat is dry. Moisture under a bandage will stink and damage their skin. • Step two • Apply any medicated ointments or salve to the wound area. I usually just put these on the gauze instead of trying to smear them on the dog — especially if the wound is tender

How to Apply Wound Bandages • Step three • Place a layer of gauze/sponge directly over the wound site. • Step four • Apply a layer of cushion — cast padding, roll cotton. This layer is very important to keep the bandage from getting too tight.

How to Apply Wound Bandages • Step five • Apply a layer of stretch gauze. This holds your cotton in place • Step six • Apply an outer covering — medical tape or stretchable wrap. This layer protects the under layers from wear and moisture.

TheFinal Product • Step seven • Apply tape to top ½ on bandage and ½ on hair coat to prevent slipping. Apply moderate pressure to ensure that tape sticks well.

Pressure Bandage • Uses • Control bleeding • Reduce/minimize swelling • Provide support • Restrict joint movement • Padding • 1-2 inches • Cotton • Quilting • Anything smooth and moldable • Elastic wrap • Snug at base and looser at top

Cat Declaw Pressure Bandage • Abundant padding around paw • Evenly distributed • “Snuggest” around tip of paw • Prevent bleeding • Prevent swelling

Applying bandages • Apply medication • Apply the pad • Undo wrap • Hold pad and apply wrap around the area • May possibly have to twist wrap • Keep snug, but not to tight • Secure • Split gauze to form strips and tie • Tape • Apply above and below

Too Tight Bandages Discomfort Temporary lameness Cut off circulation Too Loose Bandages Irritation Tissue granulation Not routinely changed Infections Un-bandaged Insect irritation Infection Improperly heals Precautions

Rule of Thumb: Don’t bandage unless you absolutely have to!

Applying Bandages