How to Apply a Pressure Bandage to a Horse
Leg injuries in horses can be considered a veterinary emergency; therefore, responsible horse owners need to learn how to apply a pressure bandage to their animal to stabilize the leg prior to the arrival of a veterinarian. Pressure bandages can provide support to the leg, minimize inflammation, contain bleeding, and protect the wound from further contamination. If bleeding is severe, controlling blood flow should be the primary concern. As such, bandaging the leg needs to be the owner's primary focus. If the bleeding is light to moderate, owners can take the time to clean the wound and then begin the bandaging process.
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Things You'll Need
- Sterile saline or clean water
- Sterile, non-stick 4-inch by 4-inch gauze pads
- Absorbent, rolled cotton -- usually 12-inch by 36-inch
- Non-stretch gauze -- 4-inch
- Non-elastic bandage tape -- 1-inch
- Elastic fabric wrap or elastic bandage tape -- 4-inch
Instructions
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Applying the Bandage
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Clean the wound with sterile saline to remove any dirt or hair if blood loss appears to be slowing down; use regular water if saline is not available.
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Place a sterile, non-stick gauze pad over the wound. Do not administer any medication to the wound until the veterinarian has examined the horse.
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Roll the absorbent padding, such as rolled cotton, around the leg starting from inside to outside--and then from front to back. On the right leg, you will be rolling in a clockwise direction; on the left, counter-clockwise. Make sure the padding is smooth and flat and--around 2 inches thick.
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Lay the 4-inch gauze just above the hoof and begin wrapping in the same direction as the padding. Overlap each layer by half the width of the gauze as you work your way up the leg to prevent slippage. Fasten the end of the gauze to the top of the padding with non-elastic bandage tape.
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Apply elastic fabric wrap or elastic bandage tape on top of the gauze just below the bottom of the padding and begin wrapping the leg in the same direction as your other wraps. Spiral the pressure wrap up the leg, again overlapping by half the width of the roll. Make sure to provide even tension all the way up, compressing the padding to control inflammation and bleeding.
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Check the bandage to make sure it is not too tight. You need to be able to place one finger comfortably under the top and the bottom of the bandage without it moving around. This ensures it's tight enough to protect the wound, but not so tight as to cutt off circulation to the limb.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep bandage materials available for quick and easy access whether you are in your barn, on a trail ride, or in the performance arena.
Wrap the pressure bandage 4 to 6 inches above and below the wound to provide adequate support.
Remember the mantra "inside to outside, front to back," and you will always know in which direction to wrap your horse's legs.
Pressure bandages should be left in place until a veterinarian examines the horse. Monitor the leg frequently, placing another bandage on top if blood soaks through the first one. If inflammation develops above or below the bandage, check the tightness of the wrap. Cut through the support layers of the bandage if it appears to be too tight and wrap another bandage more loosely around the original one. Your horse will need immediate veterinary care if his injury continues to bleed longer than 15 to 20 minutes or if the wound runs into joints or tendons. If the horse is unable to walk, transport him to a vet or equine hospital, if necessary.
