Equine Bandaging, Splinting, and Casting Techniques

Preface ix

About the Companion Websitexi

Section I Application of Equine Bandages 1

1 Materials and Concepts for Bandage Application 3

Bandage Layers 3

Primary Layer 4

Secondary Layer 4

Tertiary Layer 6

Additional Protection of the Bandage 9

Application of Bandage Materials 10

Order of Application 10

Amount of Padding 10

Tension 10

Wrapping the Material 14

Applying the Bandage 16

Preparation for Bandage Application 18

Safety with the Patient 18

Sweat Bandages 19

Special Considerations for Bandage Application 21

Removing a Bandage 23

Bandage Management and Complications 24

Suggested Reading 28

2 Distal Limb Bandages 29

Hoof Bandages 29

Half Limb Bandages 37

Positioning the Cotton Combine Padding 37

Applying the Half Limb Bandage 38

3 Full Limb Bandages 49

Front Limb 49

Rear Limb 49

4 Carpal Bandages 63

5 Tarsal Bandages 71

6 Head and Neck Bandages 77

Ear Bandage 77

Head Pressure Bandage 77

Head Netting Bandage 85

7 Upper Limb and Body Bandages 87

Elastic Tape/Ether Bandage 87

Tie-Over Bandage 90

Abdominal Wrap 92

Section II Application of Equine Limb Splints 97

8 Materials and Concepts for Splint Application 99

Principles of Equine Limb Immobilization 100

Splinting for Wound Healing 100

Splinting for Flexural Deformities 102

Splinting for Limb Support and Fractures 104

Bandages for Splint Application 104

Robert Jones Bandage 104

Modified Robert Jones Bandage 105

Evidence Base for Equine Fracture Splinting 105

Splint Materials and Fabrication 106

Fracture First Aid 108

Fracture Regions 109

References 113

Suggested Reading 114

9 Distal Limb Splinting 115

Region I PVC Splinting – Phalanges and Distal Fetlock 115

10 Full Limb Splinting 125

Region II PVC Splinting – Metacarpus/Metatarsus and Carpus/Tarsus 125

Region III PVC Splinting – Radius, Ulna, and Tibia 133

Section III Application of Equine Casts 139

11 Materials and Concepts for Cast Application 141

Casting Team 143

Patient Preparation for Cast Application 144

Limb Positioning for Cast Application 144

Cast Materials and Method of Application 144

Stockinette 145

Cast Padding 146

Cast Tape 147

Cast Management and Complications 150

Cast Removal 154

Suggested Reading 157

12 Hoof and Phalangeal Casts 159

Hoof Cast 159

Phalangeal Cast 159

13 Bandage Casts 171

14 Half Limb Casts 179

Anesthetized Half Limb Cast Application 182

Standing Half Limb Cast Application 188

Standing Cast Removal 193

15 Full Limb Casts 197

Index 205