Author name: Dr Louise Cosgrove

Learning How to bandage a horses fetlock is an important skill that all horse owners, trainers, and handlers should learn. If your horse has injured their fetlock and has a laceration- make sure you investigate thoroughly to determine if any important structures are damaged or if the joint is involved first. If you are unsure please contact your nearest Vet immediately as a good prognosis requires immediate intervention. Wrapping the wound before a vet attends, or for transport to a vet is important to prevent contamination etc. Proper bandaging can also help protect the horses lower limb from injuries, reduce swelling, and provide support during exercise. Here are the steps to follow when bandaging a horses fetlock: Step By Step Guideline: Bandage a Horses Fetlock Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials To bandage a horse fetlock, you will need the following materials: Make sure that all the materials are clean and free of dirt or debris. Step 2: Clean and Dry the Leg Before bandaging the fetlock. you should clean and dry the horses leg thoroughly. If there is a wound present use a disinfectant to clean the area such as betadine or chlorhexidine . If wrapping for support and there is no wound allow the leg to dry completely before proceeding. Step 3: If there is a wound present apply the protective padding over the wound, such as melolin or poultice and then apply cotton wool over this, making sure to not put too much pressure on the sesamoid bones at the back of the fetlock. If no wound, just apply the padding bandage over the fetlock. Step 4: Wrap the Bandage Take the clean bandage wrap and wrap it around the horses leg, starting just below the fetlock joint. Make sure to wrap the bandage in a spiral pattern, covering the fetlock area and the padding completely. Each turn of the bandage should overlap the previous one by about half of its width. Continue wrapping the bandage up the leg, stopping just above the fetlock about 15cm. Step 5: Apply the Elastic Bandage Once you have wrapped the leg with the bandage/ padding wrap, it’s time to apply the elastic/ vet wrap bandage. The elastic bandage will provide additional support to the fetlock and help keep the bandage wrap in place. Begin by attaching the elastic bandage to the bandage wrap just below the fetlock joint, making sure that it is snug but not too tight. Wrap the elastic bandage around the leg in a spiral pattern, covering the bandage wrap completely. Each turn of the elastic bandage should overlap the previous one by about half of its width. Continue wrapping the elastic bandage up the leg, stopping just above the fetlock. Step 6: Secure the Bandage Once you have applied the elastic bandage with some adhesive tape. Make sure that the tape is not too tight. Trim any excess bandage or tape with scissors. Video: How To Bandage A Horses Fetlock Conclusion In conclusion, bandaging a horse’s fetlock is a necessary skill for anyone who works with horses. It’s important to take the time to learn how to bandage a fetlock properly to avoid injury and provide support during exercise. Remember to always use clean materials and to make sure that the bandage is snug but not too tight. A poorly applied bandage can often be worse than no bandage at all. If the bandage is too tight it will restrict blood flow and this damages tissue. A bandage that is too loose will rub and cause damage to the skin or healing bed if there is a wound present and will offer no support.  If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a veterinarian. Also Read:

Bandaging a horses carpus (knee) can help protect the joint and help recover from injury faster. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly bandage a horses carpus: Materials Needed: Step By Step Guideline Step 1: Preparing the site. Make sure the horse is calm and standing on a flat surface with its carpus clean and dry. It’s best to have someone hold the horses lead rope while you bandage to ensure they stay still. If there is  a wound present it is best to clean the area with a disinfectant such as betadine or chlorhexidine after you examine the wound to see how deep it is and if there is joint involvement or important structures have been damaged. If you are unsure it is VERY IMPORTANT to seek veterinary advice as the outcome of your horses soundness relies on correct treatment immediately and not 2-7 days later. Step 2: Apply the protective pad over the wound. If the wound is fresh and contaminated use a poultice style pad cut to a size bigger than the wound. If the wound is clean or has been healing for some time you can use a melolin bandage that won’t stick to the wound. Step 3: Applying Cotton Roll. Start by applying a layer of cotton roll around the carpus. Begin at the bottom of the knee and wrap the cotton roll around the leg in a spiral pattern, making sure it’s snug but not too tight. Cover the entire knee with the cotton roll, ensuring that the joint is fully covered and cushioned. Step 4: Applying Bandage Wrap/ vet wrap. Next, apply the bandage wrap/ vetwrap over the cotton roll. Start at the bottom of the knee and wrap the bandage around the leg in a spiral pattern, making sure it’s snug but not too tight. When you get to the joint make sure you use a figure 8 pattern around the joint so you don’t damage the accessory carpal bone at the back of the knee ( the knobbly, bony bit at the back of the knee). Keeping this bone free will also help stop friction or bandage sores occurring. Use scissors to cut the bandage when you reach above the knee. Step 5: Inspecting the Bandage Once the bandage is complete. inspect it to ensure that it’s snug but not too tight, and that the knee is covered and supported. Make sure there are no wrinkles or bumps in the bandage that could cause discomfort or pressure points on the horses leg and that the accessory carpal is free. Now you can place some adhesive bandage/ Elastoplast at the top of the bandage to help prevent slipping of the bandage. Place a few wraps of Elastoplast onto hair and the first layer of the vetwrap. Step 6: Monitoring the Horse. It’s important to monitor the horse regularly while the bandage is in place to ensure that it stays in place and doesn’t cause any discomfort or rubbing. If the horse shows any signs of discomfort or the bandage begins to slip or loosen, remove it and reapply. Video: How to Bandage A Horses Carpus/Knee Conclusion Overall, bandaging a horses carpus takes practice and attention to detail. If you’re unsure or inexperienced, it’s best to seek guidance from a veterinarian. A poorly applied bandage can cause more damage than no damage sometimes. Also Read:

Learning How To Bandage A Horses Cannon (Horses Leg) is an important part of horse care, particularly when the horse is engaged in activities that can cause injuries or strains. Proper bandaging can help prevent and treat injuries, provide support to the horse’s legs, and reduce swelling. Here are the steps to bandage a cannon on a horse: Materials Needed: Step By Step Guideline Step 1: Prepare the Horse’s Leg Before bandaging The horse’s leg should be clean and dry. Check for any cuts, scrapes, or other injuries that may need attention before bandaging. Clean the leg with a damp towel if necessary and make sure it is completely dry before starting. Step 2: Apply the Leg Wrap or Polo Wrap Starting at the bottom of the leg apply the leg wrap or polo wrap in a spiral pattern, wrapping upwards towards the knee. Make sure the wrap is snug but not too tight, as a tight wrap can restrict circulation and cause injury. When wrapping the cannon bone, ensure that the wrap is even and smooth, without any wrinkles or bumps that could cause irritation. Step 3: Secure the End of the Wrap Once the wrap has been applied Secure the end of the wrap with bandage pins or adhesive tape. Make sure the pins or tape are not too tight, as this can cause discomfort for the horse. Step 4: Apply the Standing Wrap Next apply a standing wrap over the leg wrap or polo wrap. This provides additional support to the leg and helps to keep the leg wrap in place. Start at the bottom of the leg, just above the hoof, and wrap upwards towards the knee. Use a figure-eight pattern around the knee to provide extra support to the joint. Make sure the standing wrap is snug but not too tight, and that it covers the entire leg wrap or polo wrap. Step 5: Secure the Standing Wrap Finally secure the end of the standing wrap with bandage pins or adhesive tape. Make sure the pins or tape are not too tight, as this can cause discomfort for the horse. Video: How To Bandage A Horses Cannon Conclusion In summary, bandaging a cannon on a horse requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of proper bandaging techniques. By following the steps outlined above, you can help keep your horse’s legs healthy and protected, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring that your horse is comfortable and well-supported during activities. Also Read:

Learning How To Bandage a Horses Hock is important as it is a delicate process that requires care and attention to detail. A poorly placed bandage is often worse than no bandage at all. If the bandage is loose and slips it can increase the healing time by disrupting the healing bed by rubbing and a bandage too tight can cause damage to the blood supply and cause severe damage and white hairs to appear!!!. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you properly bandage a hock on a horse: Materials you will need: How To Bandage a Horses Hock- Complete 7-Step Guideline Step 1: Disinfect the Wound Know your anatomy and seek veterinary advice if you are unsure of the depth of the wound or structures that may be involved. If the joint is damaged the sooner it is attended to by a vet the better the prognosis. But in the meantime……….Clean the wound and surrounding leg with a disinfectant first and then flush with water (sterile saline if joint is involved). Before bandaging the hock, ensure that it is clean and dry. Step 2: Apply a Non-Stick Gauze Pad or poultice to the wound. Take a non-stick gauze pad and place it over the wound. The gauze pad should cover the entire wound and wrap around it slightly. This will help protect the wound or injury and prevent the bandage from sticking to the skin. If the wound is contaminated with dirt/sand etc, it is best to place a poultice bandage to the wound for the first 4 days and bandage as per described. Step 3: Start Bandaging Take a clean, dry roll of cotton wool or gamgee (some type of padding) and start wrapping it around the hock, starting from just below the hock and working upwards. Be sure to keep the bandage snug, but not too tight, as it can restrict circulation. Step 4: Overlap the Bandage Overlap each layer of the bandage slightly to ensure that it stays in place. Be careful not to overlap too much, as this can create a bulky bandage that may interfere with the horse’s movement. Keep the point of the hock at the back free from wrap. Step 5: Secure the Bandage with Vet Wrap Once the bandage has been wrapped around the hock, use vet wrap to secure it in place. Vet wrap is a self-adhesive bandage that sticks to itself but not to the skin. Start wrapping at the top of the bandage and work your way down, making sure to cover the entire padding. Once at the joint area use a figure 8 pattern to keep the point of the hock at the back free. There is a very important tendon at the back of the hock which is like a human achilles tendon and needs to be protected when wrapping, so DON”T WRAP TOO TIGHT. Step 6: Cut Excess Vet Wrap When you get to the bottom of the bandage, cut the vet wrap and tuck the end of the wrap into the bandage to secure it. Apply some Elastoplast to the top of the vetwrap if you want to make sure it doesn’t slip Step 7: Check the Bandage After bandaging the hock, ensure that the bandage is snug but not too tight. Check the horse’s circulation by feeling the pulse in the pastern. The pulse should be strong and regular. Check the bandage regularly to make sure it is still secure and not causing any discomfort to the horse. Video: How To Bandage a Horses Hock? Conclusion In conclusion, bandaging a hock on a horse requires care and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure that the bandage is secure, comfortable, and provides the necessary protection for the horse’s hock. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian. Also Read: