Tips and methods for managing contemporary wounds and swollen limbs correctly
Every horse proprietor has been there: You stroll out to the pasture to catch your horse, you peek into his stall, or possibly you open the trailer door upon arrival and see it instantly—a contemporary wound, a swollen leg, or different proof your horse has injured himself.
As you start to research the injured space extra carefully, you would possibly surprise if it requires a protecting bandage. You may also ponder whether it’s critical sufficient to name your veterinarian.
Here, we’ll provide you with a number of suggestions relating to bandaging your horse. Of course, you need to name for skilled help in any form of emergency, however this overview will put together you for when your vet says it’s time to use or change a wrap, or while you merely need to defend and assist the legs of an unhurt horse.
When Should You Use a Bandage?
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Not each scenario requires a bandage, and bandaging may cause extra hurt than good in some instances. In normal, bandages or wraps are helpful for:
- Keeping a wound clear and contamination-free.
- Reducing swelling.
- Providing assist and providing safety from trauma throughout coaching, transport, or turnout.
- Promoting a therapeutic atmosphere.
- Stabilizing an space.
- Triaging hemorrhage.
Before you end up on this scenario, familiarize your self with the supplies required to bandage a horse correctly.
Bandaging Materials
The supplies you utilize to bandage your horse fluctuate primarily based on the wrap’s goal. Bandages that cowl a wound sometimes embody three layers: gauze and gauze bandage, following by cotton roll or quilt, then standing wrap, cohesive bandage (Vetrap or CoFlex), or porous elastic adhesive fabric tape (Elastikon).
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