Page 134 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

®
Wrap Gamgee or cotton wool around the limb from just below the knee or hock to the
4
coronary band. Cotton wool is easiest to use as it conforms well to the shape of the limb;
®
VetBooks.ir a minimum of two layers should be applied. With Gamgee , it is sometimes easier to cut
a separate piece for the pastern area as it does not mould so well to the limb. A single

®
layer of thick Gamgee is sufficient with an overlapped double thickness layer
protecting the tendons at the back of the leg.
5 Now use a conforming cotton bandage to keep the padding in place. Unwind it in the

same direction as the overlap of the padding. Start halfway down the cannon bone, and
spiral the bandage once around the limb. Now work down the limb to the lower pastern,

then back up to just below the knee or hock and finally down to the starting point.
Overlap half the width of the bandage each time and make sure the pressure is light and
even. The pressure should be firm enough to provide the limb with support without

restricting the blood supply. Secure the end of the bandage with electrical insulating tape.
The padding should protrude from the top and bottom of the bandage.

6 The top layer can be either a self-adhesive conforming bandage or an adhesive bandage
applied in the same way. Alternatively a stable bandage may be used.

7 Check the bandage twice daily to ensure it is comfortable and secure. Redo the bandage

once daily (or as necessary).

Signs that a bandage is too tight

These include:

• swelling above or below the bandage

• signs of discomfort from the horse, e.g. repeated lifting of the leg or biting the dressing

• areas of skin that are sore to touch
• swelling that develops within 20 minutes of the bandage being removed.

Using a pressure bandage

A pressure bandage is used for short periods of time to control bleeding. It is applied over a

layer of padding and should be left in place for a maximum of 2 hours. The bandage is
applied with more tension than a support bandage.

Bandaging a heel or coronary band wound

Follow these 8 steps.