APPLYING A HOOF AND LOWER LEG BANDAGE
Caring for a hoof or lower leg injury can be very labor intensive. Even under the most ideal management conditions, the horse's lower extremities are regularly exposed to dirt, debris, moisture and manure. Without a properly applied bandage, it will be difficult - if not impossible - to heal many types of foot and lower leg injuries.
HOW BANDAGING HELPS
Hoof bandages may be used to: Protect wounds, cracks, abscesses or surgical sites from contamination or trauma Apply medication Prevent or reduce swelling and edema Immobilize injured tissues and/or reduce motion in the joints Aid in the healing of wounds Absorb fluids (exudate) Provide support for structures such as tendons, ligaments, and even bone as in cases of laminitis.
APPLY WITH CARE
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.
- Thoroughly cleanse the injury site as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Cover the wound or surgical site with sterile, non-stick gauze or dressing.
- 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.
- Secure the padding by encircling the hoof wall and lower leg with stretch or adhesive bandaging tape.
- 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.
- 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.
- Overlap each preceding layer by 50 percent using smooth, uniform tension to compress the padding without forming lumps or ridges beneath the bandages.
- Secure the bandaging tape with adhesive to keep it in place.
- 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.
- Overlap the edges of the duct tape, then add a second, cross-hatched layer to create a watertight seal.
- Secure the edges along the hoof wall by encircling the foot with additional duct tape.
- Seal the top opening of the bandage with an adhesive tape such as Elastikon Tape to prevent dirt or debris from getting in.
Because the foot and lower leg are the site of so many vital structures, any injury to the hoof, heel, coronary band or pastern should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Other considerations include:
- A horse with a condition requiring a hoof bandage should be confined to a stall or small run unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
- Hoof and lower leg injuries may bleed excessively because the area is highly vascular. Pressure may be applied directly to the wound to control bleeding. However, a pressure bandage should not be left in place for more than hour or two.
- When bandaging, use enough pressure to keep the bandage securely in place, but never wrap so tightly that you cannot easily slip a finger between the top of the bandage and the leg.
- Check the hoof bandage several times a day to make sure it is not cutting off circulation, constricting the coronary band or leg, creating pressure sores, or causing discomfort.
- Monitor and evaluate the horse carefully. If swelling develops above the bandage, lameness increases, or the horse begins to chew at the bandage, check the bandage and contact your veterinarian.
- If the horse has an elevated temperature, becomes depressed or irritable, or loses its appetite, consult your veterinarian.
- For hoof injuries that require continuous soaking or medication, a foot bandage can be lined with a heavy plastic bag, innertubing, or latex rubber folded around the hoof to contain fluids. Ask your veterinarian for special instructions.
- A properly fitted hoof boot may be used over the bandage to aid in extending wear and water resistance of the bandage.
- Change the hoof bandage at the intervals specified by your veterinarian or immediately if it becomes wet or soiled.
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend that the foot be cast rather than bandaged. A cast, used short term, can speed healing by immobilizing and protecting delicate tissues, often reducing recovery times from months to weeks.
If you have any further questions or concerns about hoof or lower leg bandaging techniques, contact your local veterinarian.