Final Exam - Casting & Bandaging

Question 1

why do we use bandages?

Answer 1

compression, support, absorption, topical treatment of wounds, & protection

Question 2

what materials make up a bandage?

Answer 2

primary layer, cast padding, stretch gauze, & vet wrap

Question 3

what is laplace’s law & associated equation?

Answer 3

pressure = (N X T)/(R X W)

N - number of layers
T - tension
R - radius
W - width of bandage material

Question 4

higher pressure of bandages is associated with what?

Answer 4

increased layers, increased tension, smaller limb radius, & smaller bandage width

Question 5

where are pressure points commonly seen with bandages?

Answer 5

calcaneus, olecranon, & implants

Question 6

why does bandage pressure matter?

Answer 6

can compromise vascular supply of the skin leading to arteriolar closing & skin necrosis

Question 7

what pressure is needed for arteriolar closing in skin?

Answer 7

~30 mmHg

Question 8

how can you manage bandage pressure?

Answer 8

use enough padding, 50% overlap between layers, no ridging/bunching, apply bandage distal to proximal, cushion pressure points, include toes, unroll then re-roll vetwrap, address problems fast, & change bandage frequently

Question 9

at a minimum, how often should bandages be changed?

Answer 9

once per week by veterinary professionals

Question 10

when should a bandage be replaced sooner than 1 week?

Answer 10

change sooner if painful, crying out, animal isn’t using the limb, or the bandage gets dirty or wet

Question 11

why does a bandage need to be kept clean/dry?

Answer 11

wet bandages shrink & avoid contamination

keep it covered outside, remove covering once inside, & change immediately if dirty

Question 12

an owner should check their pets toes twice daily for what?

Answer 12

swelling, very hot or very cold temperature, & pain

Question 13

T/F: exercise restriction is necessary while a bandage is in place

Answer 13

true

Question 14

when should you instruct an owner to call you with concerns about their pets bandage?

Answer 14

foul odor, it slips, gets dirty, toes are swollen or cold, or patient is painful & not using the leg

Question 15

how is pressure managed in casts?

Answer 15

make a bi-valved cast & have appropriate patient selection

Question 16

how is casting performed?

Answer 16

starts similar to modified robert jones with cast padding & stretch gauze & then wrap with toilet paper or cling wrap

wear gloves, dip cast roll in water, wrap with 50% overlap, & wait for material to harden

Question 17

what should be done when making a bivalved cast?

Answer 17

label the sides of the casts & mark where you want to cut it - use sedation when making

bandage changes every week & be prepared to manage bandage sores

Question 18

what happens if cast/bandage care isn’t done correctly in a post-op bone surgery patient?

Answer 18

malalignment

implant loosening

bandage sores

splint/cast doesn’t replace exercise restriction

Question 19

what is included in appropriate patient selection for casts/splints?

Answer 19

greenstick fractures

simple, transverse fractures

distal to the elbow or stifle

good alignment

added stability after surgery

Question 20

what fracture types are not amenable to casts/splints?

Answer 20

comminuted fractures

oblique fractures

articular fractures

unable to stabilize the joint above & below

Question 21

what are some indications for a spica splint?

Answer 21

post elbow luxation repair

scapular fractures/luxations

post-op support

temporary stabilization for transport

Question 22

what is the use of a spica splint?

Answer 22

immobilization of mid to proximal limb made out of thermoplast or fibroglass

Question 23

what is a velpau sling?

Answer 23

sling used for shoulder or elbow support for scapular fractures

pre-made sleeves available

Question 24

what is the purpose of an ehmer sling on the pelvic limb?

Answer 24

prevents weight bearing & provides internal rotation of the hip & abduction of the limb

Question 25

what are some indications for an ehmer sling?

Answer 25

after a closed reduction of a craniodorsal hip luxation

Question 26

how should an ehmer sling be used?

Answer 26

only when necessary - provide adequate padding, frequent checks, & adjust/modify as needed

Question 27

when are hobbles indicated?

Answer 27

caudoventral hip luxation of medial shoulder instability where you connect thoracic or pelvic limbs together to prevent abduction

Question 28

what is shown in the photo?

Answer 28

hobbles

Question 29

what are clinical signs of quadriceps contracture?

Answer 29

inability to flex the stifle joint or hock joint with leg held straight because of replacement of muscle with fibrous tissue

Question 30

what animals are at risk for developing quadriceps contracture?

Answer 30

young animals after femur fractures that are splinted in extension

Question 31

what is the purpose of using a 90-90 bandage?

Answer 31

keeps the knee in partial flexion - temporary use in post-op young patients that may help in quadriceps contracture

Question 32

what type of bandage is shown here?

Answer 32

90-90 bandage

Question 33

what is an orthotic?

Answer 33

used to support or protect a body part & may prevent abnormal joint motion

Question 34

what is a prosthetic?

Answer 34

support/management of an incomplete limb that is customized for each animal that must be managed long term with frequent rechecks, communication with the company, & communication with the owners

Question 35

what are some complications that may occur with bandages/casts?

Answer 35

soft tissue complications 63% especially sight hounds

bandage sores will happen