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7
EQUINE MATTERS
TOP T I PS
The XLVets Equine bandaging angels:
Introduction
Equine wound care can be challenging, time-consuming and
expensive! Equine wounds are an all too common occurrence in
veterinary practice due to injury resulting from the horse’s natural fight
or flight instinct. Therefore, we see many patients with wounds caused
by fencing, wire or trauma such as a kick from a companion. There
are many things to consider when treating equine patients to
encourage optimal healing and a swift return to athletic function.
A properly applied bandage is a powerful tool when assisting with
optimal wound healing in equine patients
(figure one)
. Unfortunately
a poorly applied bandage can actually cause further complications,
such as;
Bandaging
top tips
and the dos and
don’ts of wound care
Stacey Duncan,
Clyde Veterinar y Group, Lanarkshire
Kassie Hill, FdSc RVN REVN E-SQP
Cliffe Equine Vets, East Sussex
Louise Pailor, RVN REVN R-SQP
Wright and Mor ten, Cheshire
Marie Rippingale, BSc (Hons) REVN G-SQP DipHE CVN DipAVN (Equine)
Scarsdale Veterinar y Group, Derbyshire
•
Poor blood supply and poor oxygenation
to the wound and surrounding tissue can
be caused by a bandage that has been
applied too tightly. Bandage rubs and
sloughing of skin can occur in severe
cases, e.g. when elasticated bandages
are applied too tightly.
•
Movement, the nemesis of wound
healing, can be worsened by a bandage
that has been applied too loosely.
•
Continued trauma to the wound and
infection can be caused by a bandage
that has slipped down, allowing the
patient/bacteria access to the wound.
This is why it is so important to apply a
bandage correctly and to monitor it to
reduce the risks of any complications
occurring. Below are ten top tips for
applying the perfect bandage:
1. Size:
Applying the widest width of bandage
possible ensures even pressure which helps
to reduce bandage complications.
2. Overlap:
Ensure you overlap half the previous layer
so that your whole bandage is of an even
thickness
(figure two)
.
3. Comfort:
There should be a padding layer next to
the skin that can absorb some of the
pressure applied by the bandage. This
reduces the risk of rubbing and
subsequent skin soreness.
4. Padding:
There should be sufficient layers of
padding (i.e. layers of cotton wool or
gamgee) before you apply any kind of
elasticated bandage to the limb to even
out the pressure
(figure three)
.
Figure two. Overlapping bandage
Figure three. Padding: layers of
cotton wool or gamgee
Figure one. A nurse safely applying a
lower limb bandage