Page 133 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Important points to remember

• Bandages should always be applied over a layer of padding, e.g. Gamgee or cotton
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VetBooks.ir • wool. This helps to distribute the pressure evenly.

Any lumps or creases in the padding must be smoothed out.

• Overlapping half the width of the bandage with each turn helps to ensure even pressure.

• The ties and Velcro fastenings should be laid flat and be no tighter than the bandage.
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Knots must be tied at the side of the limb to avoid pressing on the tendons at the front

and back of the limb.
• For extra security, the ends of the ties may be covered by a strip of electrical insulating

tape or adhesive bandage. This should completely encircle the limb and stick to itself.
• If the horse bears less weight than normal on the injured limb, put a support bandage on

the opposite leg and, if necessary, all three other limbs.

Applying a support bandage

To apply a support bandage to the lower limb of a horse, follow these steps (Figures 3.22a–
c).

Figure 3.22a–c Bandaging the lower limb with a support bandage

1 Make sure the leg is clean.

2 Cover the wound with a non-stick dressing.

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3 Use orthopaedic padding eg Soffban to hold the dressing in place.