Bandaging

Question 1

What is the function of bandages?

Answer 1

Wound/incision
protection
Support
Secure dressings
Inhibit excessive
granulation tissue
Reduce swelling,
movement, edema
Assist in temporary
stabilization of fractures
Decrease dead space
Reduce post-op
hemorrhage/edema
Prevent contamination

Question 2

What must you be aware of when placing a bandage?

Answer 2

Smooth bandage (No wrinkles) –> avoid pressure sores
Primary, secondary and tertiary layers
Each layer secured with gauze
Change if soiled, wet or slips
Secure in place with cohesive or self adhesive
material
Snug placement: Not too tight, not too loose
Why?

Question 3

What should you do if lameness is present after placing a bandage?

Answer 3

Remove immediately

Question 4

Why do you want completely span the distance of the wound?

Answer 4

Reduces edema

• -> Extend bandage distal to coronary bands
• -> Wrap and put flexor tendons medially

Question 5

Why do you not want to put a bandage too tight?

Answer 5

• Can cause circulation problems, soft tissue/ tendon damage, pressure sores

Question 6

What are the different types of bandages?

Answer 6

Foot bandage
Distal limb bandage
Full limb bandage (Front and Hind)
Abdominal bandage
Face bandage
Stent bandage

Question 7

What are the layers of a bandage?

Answer 7

• Primary (secured with gauze)
• Secondary (secured with gauze)
• Tertiary

Question 8

What are some examples of a primary bandage?

Answer 8

Telfa
Curasalt (hypertonic dressing)
Kerlix AMD
Hydrogel
Calcium Alginate

Question 9

What must you be aware of when placing a primary bandage?

Answer 9

• Must place directly on wound
• Must be sterile
• Non-adherent
• Porous

Question 10

What are some examples of secondary bandage layers?

Answer 10

Cotton/Supporting layer
Cotton Roll (pound cotton)
Sheet cotton
RediRoll (my personal favorite)
**Secured with conforming gauze

Question 11

What is the function of the secondary layer of a bandage?

Answer 11

Provide support and padding
Preventing excessive compression and
protecting the limb
Absorbent for exudate

Question 12

What are some examples of a tertiary bandage layer?

Answer 12

Cohesive bandaging tape
Vetrap/Coflex
Elastikon
May see others
Elastoplast

Question 13

What are the functions of a tertiary bandage layer?

Answer 13

Secures previous layers
Provides rigidity / support to bandage
Helps protect bandage from contamination
Pay attention to where tertiary layer ends
50% overlap (all layers)

Question 14

Where do you place distal limb bandages and what are their function?

Answer 14

Extends to just BELOW carpus or tarsus
Extending to BELOW coronary band
Primary layer secured with Kerlix or Roll gauze
Secondary layer secured with gauze (brown gauze)
Tertiary layer, then bandage sealed at top and
bottom with Elastikon
Elastikon seals the bandage and prevents dirt and
debris from entering

Question 15

When would you use a full limb/ “stack” bandage?

Answer 15

• Large wounds with swelling/ cellulitis
• Assists with coaptation for temporary fracture statbilization
• Extends

Question 16

What is a stent bandage?

Answer 16

• Suturing a bandage over a wound/incision site

- Suture loops string umbilical through to secure bandage

Question 17

In which direction do you want to push flexor tendons?

Answer 17

• Push them medially
• Right limb –> go clockwise
• Left limb –> counterclockwise