Applying Bandages 4 H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary
Applying Bandages 4 -H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas Agri. Life Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M System http: //aevm. tamu. edu
Objectives n Discuss reasons to bandage or not bandage patients for medical treatments n Describe types of bandages n Describe techniques for applying bandages
Why? n Not usually needed n Applies pressure n Support n Medication n Protection n Contamination n Irritants n Movement restriction
n Common bandage sites n Lower limbs n Knee/hock to foot n Difficulties n Head n Upper body
Precautions n Tightness n Discomfort n Lameness n Circulatory interference n Pressure necrosis n Cleanliness n Dry n Clean
n Re-bandaging n Clean n Re-medicate n Promotes healing n Excess joint movement n Causes irritation n Tissue granulation
n Environmental factors n Weather n n n Humidity Heat Rain Secondary infections n Insects n n n Cause irritation Repellents
n Animal itself n Tail n Grass n Licking n Rubbing
Types of bandages n Wound n Pressure Wound Bandage on Dog Pressure Bandage on Horse
Wound Bandage n Use n Cover wounds n Padding Gauze n Cotton n Disposable diaper n Top wrap n Elastic wrap n n n Vet wrap Roll gauze n Possibly tape
How to Apply Wound Bandages n Step one n Be sure that paw and hair coat is dry. Moisture under a bandage will stink and damage their skin. n Step two n Apply any medicated ointments or salve to the wound area. I usually just put these on the gauze instead of trying to smear them on the dog — especially if the wound is tender
How to Apply Wound Bandages n Step three n Place a layer of gauze/sponge directly over the wound site. n Step four n Apply a layer of cushion — cast padding, roll cotton. This layer is very important to keep the bandage from getting too tight.
How to Apply Wound Bandages n Step five n Apply a layer of stretch gauze. This holds your cotton in place n Step six n Apply an outer covering — medical tape or stretchable wrap. This layer protects the under layers from wear and moisture.
The Final Product n Step seven n Apply tape to top ½ on bandage and ½ on hair coat to prevent slipping. Apply moderate pressure to ensure that tape sticks well.
Pressure Bandage n Uses n n Control bleeding Reduce/minimize swelling Provide support Restrict joint movement n Padding n 1 -2 inches n n n Cotton Quilting Anything smooth and moldable n Elastic wrap n Snug at base and looser at top
Cat Declaw Pressure Bandage • Abundant padding around paw • Evenly distributed • “Snuggest” around tip of paw • Prevent bleeding • Prevent swelling
Applying bandages n Apply medication n Apply the pad n Undo wrap n Hold pad and apply wrap around the area n May possibly have to twist wrap n Keep snug, but not to tight n Secure n Split gauze to form strips and tie n Tape n Apply above and below
Precautions n Too Tight Bandages n Discomfort n Temporary lameness n Cut off circulation n Too Loose Bandages n Irritation n Tissue granulation n Not routinely changed n Infections n Un-bandaged n Insect irritation n Infection n Improperly heals
Rule of Thumb: Don’t bandage unless you absolutely have to!
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