Applying Bandages 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M System

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 Pressure Bandage on Horse Wound Bandage on Dog

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.

The Final 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

Precautions 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

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