How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Apply‌ ‌a‌ ‌Leg‌ ‌Bandage‌ 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Wound cream, if indicated (Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Silver Sulfadiazene, Entederm, etc.)

• Non-stick gauze/telfa, abdominal pad, etc.

• White kling gauze or cast padding

• Sheet cotton or re-usable quilt wrap

• Brown gauze (or polo wrap if using a quilt)

• Vetrap® or other similar bandage material (found at most any feed/tack store) Note: this material should always be used over a protective soft bandage because it can constrict and essentially cause a tourniquet.

• Elastikon (3”)

• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Start by gently cleaning the wound as directed, dry, then apply appropriate wound cream, if indicated.

2. Apply the non stick gauze/abdominal pad to the wound and secure it in place with white kling/cast padding.

3. Wrap the leg using sheet cotton in the same direction, followed by brown gauze, leaving an inch of cotton at the top and bottom. Apply even pressure throughout the entire bandage.

4. Apply Vetrap® over the brown gauze with even pressure, again leaving an inch of cotton at the top and bottom. (do not pull Vetrap® too tight!).

5. Finally you can use Elastikon® to lightly wrap around the top and bottom of the bandage to prevent bedding and debris from getting down into the bandage. Do not pull tight! It may be helpful to unroll and re-roll the Elastikon® so it is not as sticky. You will need scissors to cut the Elastikon®.

Here's an excellent video demonstration from UC Davis SVM: How to Bandage a Horse's Leg with Vetrap – The Horse

Always monitor for slipping of the bandage, swelling above or below the bandage, or an increase in lameness. Call our office if you have any questions or concerns.