Applying Bandages

4-H Veterinary ScienceExtension Veterinary Medicine

Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Texas A&M Systemhttp://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

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!