Improving your bandaging technique is essential to reap the full benefits of horse bandages. When applied correctly, a bandage can assist in the healing process of an injury, but if applied incorrectly bandaging can cause problems that will delay healing and potentially cause further complications.
Learning how to bandage is something that requires practice, and the secret of good bandaging lies in achieving correct and even tension.
By following a few important guidelines you can improve your bandaging technique and ensure that whenever you need to apply a bandage your horse will receive the full benefit.
Tips For Improving Your Bandaging
– Make sure the leg is dry and clean beneath bandage.
– Never bandage a horse’s legs without padding, ideally using Veterinary Gamgee®, making sure there are no wrinkles.
– Bandage from the top and from left to right on the near side and right to left on the off side and always start over bone not tendon.
– Always apply a bandage with even pressure and a 50% overlap, taking care not to over-stretch the bandage; never stretch the material more than one and a half times.
– A bandage should never restrict circulation unless used to apply pressure, as it can cause serious damage and affect the healing process and be painful. Equally it shouldn’t be too loose as this will slip down and bunch up – making the bandage ineffective and dangerous.
– Always bandage the opposite leg to provide support.
– Leave an inch or so of padding layer at top and bottom, making sure the Equiwrap doesn’t come into contact with the horses’ skin.
– You should be able to slide a fingertip between leg and bandage once finished
– Use blunt ended scissors to safely remove the bandage.
How to bandage
Taking your bandage around the leg, each wrap should sit lower and lower down the leg until you reach just under the fetlock, leaving a little Gamgee on show. Spiral the bandage down as evenly as possible to maintain consistent pressure.
Begin to work your way back up the leg with the bandage, again spiralling as evenly as possible. Aim to finish just below the knee, however finishing anywhere on the outside of the leg is suitable.
Do up the Velcro, so that the edge is on the outside and will not be rubbed, becoming undone.
Check the pressure of the bandage is even. Ensure you can place one finger snugly, between the Gamgee and horse’s leg, at the top and bottom.
Easy to tear, Equiwrap® Cohesive Bandages are made from elasticated crepe and comes in 10 cm x 4.5 m single rolls and is ideal for bandaging awkward contours of the legs providing support and protection.
Once positioned Equiwrap® will not loosen but should be changed daily, and applied over a dressing or Veterinary Gamgee®.
Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements including the market leading Animalintex®, which is the only VMD licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK and the legendary Veterinary Gamgee®.
For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit robinson healthcare website
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