small animal bandaging techniques

Question 1

Identify this bandage type

Answer 1

Immobilising bandage
Robert Jones Bandage
Fractured long bones and immediate post-surgical protection of repair of long bones

Question 2

Identify this bandaging tool

Answer 2

Gutter Splints (require padding underneath)
Stabilising fractures below the carpus or hock in small animals

Question 3

Identify this bandaging tool

Answer 3

Plaster of Paris
Used on stable fractures of long bones, oblique fractures, or where there is a complete bone to act as a splint (e.g. fractured radius + complete ulna)
Padding needed to prevent rubbing

Question 4

Identify this bandaging tool

Answer 4

Fibreglass impregnated with resin
Used on stable fractures of long bones, oblique fractures, or where there is a complete bone to act as a splint (e.g. fractured radius + complete ulna)
Padding needed to prevent rubbing

Question 5

How far should a limb be bandaged?

Answer 5

1 joint above and below the injury to provide the best stability

Question 6

Why do we need bandages

Answer 6

Aid the healing of a wound
Stabilise wound surface to prevent disruption
Protect from trauma or contamination

Question 7

Describe the function of the primary layer of a bandage

Answer 7

• in contact
• aids healing and protects wound

Question 8

Describe the function of the secondary layer of a bandage

Answer 8

• supportive/padding for comfort
• abosrbs excessive exudative material without strikethrough to tertiary layer
• applies light pressure to keep primary layer in place

Question 9

Describe the function of the tertiary layer of a bandage

Answer 9

• stick to self, not patient so no pain on removal

Question 10

Describe strikethrough in bandages

Answer 10

when the fluid discharged from a wound leaks through bandage layers to outside, provides direct link back to wound
Can also happen in reverse, if bandage gets wet (rain or urine etc)
Needs new bandage to prevent infection and disruption to skin around wound

Question 11

What types of primary bandage layer are there?

Answer 11

Dry
Impregnanted
semi-occlusive
absorbent
alginates
Topical wound gels
Topical creams and ointments

Question 12

Describe dry primary bandages

Answer 12

sterile, clean swabs applied directly

Question 13

Describe impregnated primary bandages

Answer 13

facilitates wound healing
petroleum or antibiotics for infected wounds

Question 14

Describe semi-occlusive primary bandages

Answer 14

non-stick material
central absorbent core
adhesive layer
short term post surgical closures

Question 15

Describe absorbent primary bandages

Answer 15

padded and colour coded
absorb different amounts of exudate
not suitable for surgery

Question 16

Describe alginates as a primary bandage

Answer 16

naturally occurring kelp or seaweed
moistened and applied to static wound
helps encourage release of inflammatory factors into wound
need to be flushed with saline to remove

Question 17

Describe the function of topical wound gels

Answer 17

keep wound moist while drawing out excess exudate
used for large crevices or cavities that other dressings cannot fit into

Question 18

Describe the use of topical creams and ointments

Answer 18

keep wound clean and protect from bacteria

Question 19

What issues can be caused by incorrect bandaging?

Answer 19

Swelling
tissue necrosis
decubitus ulcers
patient interference

Question 20

What is the function of ring dressings

Answer 20

protect bony prominences
can lead to pressure in other locations if not changed regularly