External Coaptation-Bandages, Splints, Casts

1. EQUINE MEDICINE
External Coaptation-Bandaging, Splints, Casts

2. INDICATIONS
 Compression of dead space or open wound space
 Reduce motion
 Minimize contamination
 Medication application
 Prevent mutilation
 Protect limb
 Control hemorrhage

3. COMPLICATIONS
 Pressure sores
 Pressure necrosis
 Tendon & ligament injury
 Too much padding may cause:
– Bandage slipping
– Bandage bunching
– Compromised blood flow

4. BANDAGE MONITORING
 Must be done daily
– Placement/Tightness
– Soiling/Strike-through
– Swelling of limb
– Damage of materials
– Increased lameness
– Patient monitoring
 Tie/cross-tie horse
 Neck cradle
 Wrap safe/other liquids
 Electronic strips

5. Types of Bandages
 Exercise
– Polo wraps, splint boots
– Bell boots
– Support-Professional’s Choice
 Shipping
– Protection from self & trailer
 May extend to cover
carpus/tarsus & hoof
 Bandages or boots

6. Types of Bandages
 Hoof
– Uses
 Cover hoof wounds
 Protection
– Types
 EZ boots/Davis boots
 Bandages
– Considerations
 Needs to be waterproof
 No pressure at the coronary band
 Weight bearing surface needs to be thick

7. Types of Bandages
 Distal Limb (Standing Bandage)
– Uses
 Inflammatory conditions
 Protection
 Support
– Coverage
 Top of metacarpus/metacarpus
to coronary band
– Application
 Clean & medicate wounds
 Bandage with limb weight bearing
 All materials should be easily accessible before beginning

8. Types of Bandages
 Full Limb
– Used when upper limb needs to be bandaged
– Bony prominences
 Extra padding
 Relief incision

9. Types of Bandages
 Limb Splints
– Immobilize joint, bone, soft tissue
 Robert Jones
 Strut
 Kimsey

10. Types of Bandages
 Limb Casts
– Better than splints for immobilization
– Usually applied under anesthesia
– Weight bearing surface must be reinforced
– Types
 Foot
 Lower limb
 Full limb
 Tube (Sleeve)

11. Cast Monitoring
 Should be checked at least twice daily
– TPR
– Hot spots on cast
– Odor, exudate, swelling
– Wear, cast integrity
– Opposite limb inflammation
– Weight bearing
 Complications
– Cast sores
– Opposite limb
 Laminitis
 Tendon/ligament damage