At some point, nearly every horse will need a leg wrap or bandage. However, an inappropriate bandage application can cause as many problems as a well-applied bandage can prevent. The key to successful bandaging begins with the proper materials and application. So, before you reach for the nearest roll of Vetrap, review some basic principles behind bandaging and wrapping legs:
First, it is important to evaluate what and why you are bandaging. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, several situations where leg bandages are beneficial to your horse include:
For more severe cases or if you are in doubt, it’s always wise to consult your veterinarian when determining bandaging needs.
You know you need to bandage, but your horse is nervous, frightened or won’t cooperate. What do you do?
Dormosedan Gel® (detomidine hydrochloride) is a safe and effective mild standing sedative available with a prescription from your veterinarian. Having tubes of Dormosedan Gel on hand allows the horse and horse owner to experience less stress in emergency situations, and it can assist in situations such as treating an injury or bandage changes. Dormosedan Gel is an FDA-approved oral sedative that can be safely administered underneath the horse’s tongue by horse owners through the easy-to-use dosing syringe.
Upon determining if bandaging is necessary, it’s important to pay attention to the details. Proper technique includes using the correct materials and wrapping the leg evenly with consistent pressure.
“It is best if the leg is clean and dry prior to applying the bandage,” said Jeff Hall, DVM, senior equine technical services veterinarian at Zoetis. “Also, moderate pressure should be used while bandaging to avoid overtightening. The key is to apply the bandage firmly but not too tightly.”
A well-applied bandage will look neat, even and finished. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate proper techniques and practice under their supervision before doing it on your own.
If you have questions or concerns about bandaging techniques, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. For more information and resources, visit DormGel.com.
Important Safety Information: Do not use Dormosedan Gel in horses with pre-existing atrioventricular (AV) or sinoatrial (SA) block, with severe coronary insufficiency, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, or chronic renal failure. Do not use in anesthetized or sedated horses, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation or stress due to extreme heat, cold, fatigue or high altitude. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Handle gel-dosing syringes with caution to avoid direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth. See full Prescribing Information.
1 American Association of Equine Practitioners. Leg Bandages – Bandaging Your Horse’s Legs. 2017. https://aaep.org/horsehealth/leg-bandages-bandaging-your-horses-legs. Accessed August 7, 2017.
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