Lower Leg & Hoof Bandages On Horses (2 of 3)

Lower Leg & Hoof Bandaging Guidelines

The location and type of injury will determine how high the bandage should extend. A sole abscess might require that just the bottom and lower half of the hoof be protected. A heel bulb, coronary band, or lower leg injury might require that the bandage extend to cover the pastern.

1. Thoroughly cleanse the injury site as prescribed by your veterinarian.

2. Cover the wound or surgical site with sterile, non-stick gauze or dressing.

3. Utilize padding as needed. Apply to sole of foot in case of abscess or laminitis, or surround the hoof wall, heel bulb and ankle for other types of injuries. A disposable diaper also works well. Padding should lie flat and wrinkle-free where it contacts the skin.

4. Secure the padding by encircling the hoof wall and lower leg with stretch or adhesive bandaging tape.

5. Cover the sole using a figure-8 bandaging pattern, cris-crossing the fabric over the bottom of the foot and extending it up around the sides of the hoof and pastern until the padding is completely covered.

6. Work top to bottom or bottom to top, conforming the bandage to the hourglass shape of the hoof and lower leg. Exert just enough pull to stretch the fabric to half its maximum extended length, being especially careful not to constrict the area around the coronary band.

7. Overlap each preceding layer by 50 percent using smooth, uniform tension to compress the padding without forming lumps or ridges beneath the bandage.

8. Secure the bandaging tape with adhesive to keep it in place.

9. Create a strong, durable surface by applying duct tape to the bottom and sides of the foot. Use strips that extend across the bottom and up the sides of the hoof walls.