How to Bandage a Leg
Leg bandages can accelerate healing time and reduce swelling. Bandages that are too tight, not well padded, or out of position can do serious damage to a horses leg. It is important to understand some basic principles of bandaging:
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Apply all layers of the wrap in the same direction.
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The bandage should be well-padded (at least 2 layers of sheet cotton between the leg and the wrapping material). This will ensure that the wrap does not cut into the skin.
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When wrapping the leg, a good rule of thumb is to wrap from one joint all the way to the next (covering the area in need of the wrap).
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The standard method of leg bandaging results in wrapping the back of the leg to the inside, or pulling the tendons inside. This basically means that right legs are wrapped clockwise and left legs counter-clockwise. (Just remember that the bandage is directed to the middle of the horse when crossing the back of the leg).
Standard Leg Bandage
The following materials (or similar products) should be used:
Telfa pad (over wound if present)
1 roll of Conform or Kling gauze (2 or 4 inch width)
Sheet Cotton approximately 2 feet (depending on leg size)
1 roll of 6 or 4 inch brown (or white) gauze
1 roll of 4 inch Vetrap
If a wound is present, place the telfa pad over the wound and secure with Conform (do not pull conform tight). Then wrap the leg with sheet cotton (at least 2 layers). Then wrap with brown gauze in even, snug wraps leave approximately 1 inch of sheet cotton exposed at the top and bottom of the bandage. Then wrap snugly with vetrap, again leaving an inch of exposed sheet cotton at the top and bottom. The bandage may be finished off with Elastikon a stretch tape that will help keep the bandage in place and keep debris from getting under the bandage. This is typically wrapped around the top and bottom of the bandage (covering the exposed sheet cotton and anchoring it to the skin). Remember that this tape is very stretchable and will be directly against skin! Do not pull it tight.
Bandages should be checked daily and removed if they become wet, soiled, or torn. In particular, the skin above and below the bandage should be checked for swelling, heat, or pain. If the horse becomes lame while wearing a bandage, it should be removed and the leg checked for problems.
Remember, if you have any questions, please call!
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