Bandaging: Applying first aid bandages

By Andrea Oakes

19 November 2009 16:10

Safe, warm, protected legs start with a great set of bandages, so let’s unravel the myths with our guide to choosing, using and applying them. Even if your horse rarely gets out and about to shows and events, you may need a little bandaging know-how if he sustains an injury or needs a period of box rest.

Bandaging a lower leg wound

1 Ensure the wound is clean and covered by a sterile dressing.

2 Wrap the lower limb with a layer of smooth, clean padding.

3 Apply as stable bandages, with an even tension but only as firmly as is needed to keep the dressing in place.

4 Seal the openings with a loose wrap of adhesive tape to keep out pieces of bedding or dirt.

5 Apply a stable bandage to the opposing, non-injured leg for support.

Bandaging a hoof

1 Clean the injury site and cover it with a dressing – a disposable nappy is a good choice, as it’s shaped and will also absorb any discharge.

2 Use an elasticised or self-adhesive bandage in a figure-of-eight pattern, extending the bandage over the hoof and the pastern, to cover the padding.

3 Apply waterproof duct tape to the bottom and sides of the foot, making sure it’s not too tight over the coronary band.

4 Seal the opening with a loose layer of adhesive tape.

Bandaging an awkward area

1 Start above the knee or hock and wrap the bandage twice around the leg, over the padding.

2 Bandage in a figure-of-eight, leaving the bony prominence at the back of the knee or the point of the hock free to allow for movement and to reduce any friction.

3 Finish above or below the joint, with one more round, taking care not to fasten the bandage across the joint itself.

4 A stable bandage applied to the lower leg will stop the bandage slipping down,and will provide support.