Lower Leg & Hoof Bandages On Horses (1 of 3)
This information is presented as general guidance. It is not intended to replace the services of a licensed veterinarian, or an "on the scene" evaluation. Please remember that as with treating any medical condition, the first and most important principle is to do no harm. Do not do anything that you feel might make the condition worse or result in a new injury. If in doubt, better to err on the side of calling your veterinarian!
Help Topics :
- Reasons To Use A Lower Leg Or Hoof Bandage
- Lower Leg Or Hoof Bandaging Challenges
- Useful Bandage Materials For The Lower Leg And Hoof
- Lower Leg & Hoof Bandaging Guidelines
- Other Considerations For Lower Leg And Hoof Bandages
- Horse Foot Casting
Reasons To Use A Lower Leg Or Hoof Bandage
Caring for a hoof or lower leg injury can be very labor intensive. Even under the most ideal management conditions, the horse's lower extremities are regularly exposed to dirt, debris, moisture and manure. Without a properly applied bandage, it will be difficult-if not impossible-to heal many types of foot and lower leg injuries. Hoof bandages may be used to:
- - Protect wounds, cracks, abscesses or surgical sites from contamination or trauma
- - Apply medication
- - Prevent or reduce swelling and edema
- - Immobilize injured tissues and/or reduce motion in the joints
- - Aid in the healing of wounds
- - Absorb fluids (exudates)
- - Provide support for structures such as tendons, ligaments, and even bone as in cases of laminitis
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Lower Leg Or Hoof Bandaging Challenges
It is especially important to know the proper way to apply a hoof and/or lower leg bandage. The horse's feet and legs depend on a steady and abundant supply of blood. Tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves are also vulnerable to damage from an improperly applied bandage, as there is minimal overlying tissue to protect them.
The bandage must be applied smoothly, evenly and with the right amount of tension so as not to interfere with circulation or put undue pressure on vital structures.
If you have ever bandaged a horse's foot or lower limb before, ask your veterinarian or an experienced equine professional to demonstrate the proper techniques. Practice under his or her supervision before doing it on your own. Because a bandage covering the lower leg and especially the hoof will require frequent changing, you will get plenty of practice.
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Useful Bandage Materials For The Lower Leg And Hoof
Because of the bandage's location and the stresses it will have to withstand, choose bandaging materials that:
- - Readily conform to the shape of the hoof and lower leg
- - Permit use of the foot/leg without slipping or loosening
- - Adhere well to the hoof wall or leg
- - Are extremely durable
- - Are water resistant
- - Are sterile (if in contact with a wound or surgical site)
Bandage Supply List:
- - Sterile, non-stick gauze pads or wound dressing
- - Sheet cotton, roll cotton, combine cotton, or disposable diapers
- - Stretch bandaging tape such as 3M Vetrap Bandaging Tape at least 2-3 inches wide
- - Adhesive bandaging tape such as Elastikon Elastic Adhesive Tape
- - Duct tape
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