Page 129 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

SECURING THE DRESSINGS

The easiest way to secure the dressings is to use a self-adhesive conforming bandage, e.g.
VetBooks.ir Vetrap or Co-plus .
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Completely wrap the sole and wall of the hoof. Bring the bandage up over the heels as

this helps to prevent everything from slipping off. Make sure that the bandage is not too tight
over the coronary band.

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Adhesive bandages such as Elastoplast do not stick well to damp hooves and should not
be applied directly to the bulbs of the heels or the coronet as the horse will become sore.
They may be applied as described for self-adhesive bandages if used on top of a stretch
cotton conforming bandage to prevent direct contact with the heel and coronary band.

To make the dressing waterproof and stop urine and droppings from being absorbed by

the dressings, a plastic bag or suitable 7.5 or 10 cm (3 or 4 in) tape can be used. Several
pieces of the tape should be pre-cut so they are long enough to go across the sole and extend
up the hoof wall to the coronary band. These are laid across the bottom of the foot until the

whole of the sole is covered. It may help to prepare several lengths of tape and arrange them
in a star shape first (see Figure 3.18d). A length of tape can now be wound around the hoof

wall to secure the strips in place. For extra strength, a layer of tape can be wrapped around
the lowest part of the hoof wall and turned in under the sole. This reinforces the dressing on

the weight-bearing part of the foot (see Figure 3.18e).

CHANGING THE POULTICE

Poultices are normally changed once daily. They are rarely recommended for use for longer

than 3 days. After this time the tissues become very soggy and healing may be delayed.

Using a protective boot

An Equiboot (Figure 3.19) is just one of many boots available for holding hoof dressings in

place. These types of boot come in many different shapes and sizes. The problem is that
horses’ feet are also very variable in size and shape. A boot that is comfortable for one horse

can rub and make another very sore, especially around the heels. If you find a boot that is
comfortable for your horse it can reduce the cost of treatment as the dressing materials are

expensive.