EQUINE
WOUND CARE
PART 3 THE BANDAGES
Horses are curious and with that curiousness along with their fight or
flight tendency, they tend to routinely aquire an assortment of wounds.
Statistically, this makes the horse the number 1 animal for accidental
injuries. With that kind of track record, it becomes important to know
when to call the vet and when to treat it yourself. Part 1 of this article
discussed the basic types of wounds and the first aid options. Part 2
discussed the immediate aftercare of the wound in order to have a well
repaired wound. Part 3 will consider the bandaging aspects.
BANDAGES - TYPES AND ANATOMY
After the initial treatment of the wound, it may be necessary
to manage the wound. This will aid in the prevention
of infection, contamination, swelling, bleeding, and additionally
for support. Every wound has the potential of at
least one of these things happening and bandaging is one
of the ways to prevent complications if bandaging can be
done on that particular wound and site.
There are three basic layers to a bandage.
1.
The first layer is sometimes called the basic or con-
tact layer. This layer comes in direct contact with the
open wound and is meant to protect it from contamination.
Most poplar of the contact layer materials are the
nonadherent types (e.g. Teflon types). These are generally
used over the areas of primary closure with minimal drainage.
Conversely, an adherent bandage is used for open
wounds that require some debridement An adherent bandage
means that the exudate from the wound is meant to
stick to the pad so that it can be routinely removed from
the wound itself and can be one of several types (dry to
dry, wet to wet and wet to dry types).A dry to dry bandage
is utilized to allow removal of the exudate (low viscosity
“watery” ooze) that is coming from the wound. A wet
to wet bandage is used to dilute a high viscosity or thick
exudate. The wet to wet can be saline or chlorhexidine
soaked. A combination wet to dry example would be a
gauze pad with topical ointment.
The second layers of a typical bandage is the
absorption layer which ultimately keeps all the blood,
exudates and tissue fluids away from the wound surfaces.
Rolled cotton and rolled gauze and other forms of padding
are sometimes used for this purpose.
The third layer is meant to hold everything in place. It
is important to assure that the first two layers remain
at the wound site. If support is indicated, then additional
padding or rolled cotton can be used before the final wrap
typically of tape or elastic wrap.
More serious injuries may need special types of bandages
such as pressure bandages, casts, splints and even stents.
Generally, they are used at sites where fluid can accumulate
easily or where even surface pressure is difficult
2.
3.
to achieve. Each is generally unique depending on the
wound type and location.
EQUINE Health
VETERINARY INSTRUCTIONS
It is mandatory that you obey what is described to you to
the letter. Observations while the veterinarian is constructing
the bandage is important so that when you are left to
change the bandage or to remove it, you understand the
construction aspects completely. Hearsay never works.
Timing of the bandage change will depend on the wound
type and healing stage. It may be a daily change, every
other day or even longer depending on each circumstance.
It is important to do the changes at a routine time
so as to assist the healing process. For example, if the
change is to be made every day……. that means every 24
hours or so. Changing the bandage one day at 16 hours
and the next at 36 will not enhance wound healing and in
fact, may severely hinder it.
Make sure you have all the layer supplies before the veterinarian
leaves. Don’t assume that someone else in the
barn has the same ointment or the wrap. Have it on hand
so that each change is accomplished correctly and flawlessly.
Extras come in handy if the bandage falls off before
the change time.
Pay attention to the tightness/snugness of the bandage as
the veterinarian puts it on. A bandage too loose will fall off
while a bandage too tight can severely inhibit blood flow
and cause damage to surrounding tissues. Ask for signs you
should be looking for such as puffiness, smell, color, texture,
exudate type and color, bandage soaking thru, skin/hair
appearance where any anchoring is done to keep the
bandage in place and overall behavior and health of the
horse. Make a checklist of each observation sign so that
you look at it specifically as well as compare it to the records
days past. All of these signs are extremely important
and your veterinarian should be consulted if anything out
of place becomes apparent.
Have someone assist you when changing the bandage.
You assistant can not only steady the horse, but give you
the necessary supplies needed. Chasing a horse about the
stall to change a bandage is not only unsafe for you but
can be harmful to the horse as well. Remember, crouch/
stoop down to wrap if the wound is low…. Never kneel or
sit on the floor. You cannot get out of the way if trouble
occurs.
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