BANDAGING

What are the main functions of a bandage?

Protect wound, absorb drainage, compress soft tissue, stabilize limb, and restrict movement

Why must bandages stay clean and dry?

Wet bandages lose strength, cause sores, infection, and delay healing

What happens if a bandage is too tight?

Can cause decreased blood flow, swelling, cold digits, and even necrosis (tissue death)

Why must you bandage one joint above and below an injury?

To properly stabilize the fracture and prevent movement

What direction are bandages applied?

Distal to proximal (from toes upward)

How much should each bandage layer overlap?

About 50% overlap each wrap

Which digits are left exposed in a limb bandage?

Digits 3 and 4 to monitor circulation, swelling, and color

What are the three layers of a bandage?

Primary (contact), Secondary (padding/absorption), Tertiary (support/protection)

What is the function of the primary layer?

Directly contacts wound, protects it, allows medication delivery, and manages exudate

What is the function of the secondary layer?

Absorbs fluid and provides padding/support

What is the function of the tertiary layer?

Holds bandage together, protects from environment, provides compression/support

What is a non-adherent primary layer?

Non-stick material that protects tissue and promotes healing with minimal damage

What is a wet-to-dry bandage?

Wet gauze applied that dries and pulls debris out when removed

What is a wet-to-wet bandage?

Used for heavily draining wounds and removed wet to reduce pain

What is a dry-to-dry bandage?

Dry gauze used to remove necrotic tissue but can damage healthy tissue

What is the first priority in wound care?

Controlling bleeding

What is lavage?

Flushing a wound with sterile fluid to remove debris and bacteria

What fluids are used for lavage?

Sterile isotonic fluids like saline or LRS

What should NOT be used for wound lavage?

Hydrogen peroxide and tap water (cytotoxic to tissue)

What is the goal of lavage pressure?

Remove debris without damaging healthy tissue

What does “the solution to pollution is dilution” mean?

Large amounts of fluid help clean contamination effectively

What is a Robert Jones bandage?

A large bulky bandage used for temporary fracture stabilization below elbow/stifle

What is the key feature of a Robert Jones bandage?

Heavy padding (6+ layers) making it bulky and hard to overtighten

What is a modified Robert Jones bandage?

Less padding, used for swelling control and wound protection (NOT fracture stabilization)

Why is modified Robert Jones riskier?

Easier to apply too tight and compromise circulation

What is the “watermelon sound” test?

Proper bandage should feel firm and make a solid sound when tapped

What are stirrups in bandaging?

Tape strips placed on limb to prevent bandage slipping

Where are stirrups placed?

On distal limb (toes), medial and lateral sides

What is their purpose?

Anchor the bandage and secure outer layers when folded up

What is the purpose of a cast?

Rigid immobilization of fractures

What fractures are suitable for casting?

Simple, closed, minimally displaced fractures of distal limbs

When are casts NOT appropriate?

Severe displacement, comminuted fractures, above elbow/stifle

How long can a cast stay on?

Up to 4 weeks if no complications

How soon should a cast be checked after placement?

24–48 hours

What is a splint used for?

Temporary immobilization and support of distal limbs

Where are splints placed?

Between secondary and tertiary layers

What is a paw bandage used for?

Broken nails, wounds, declawing protection

What must be included in a paw bandage?

All toes and accessory pad

How long is a paw bandage left on?

24–48 hours

What is a tail bandage used for?

Degloving injuries, fractures, amputation, diarrhea protection

Why must tail bandages be secured well?

Animals can “wag them off”

What is an ear bandage used for?

Post-surgery, hematomas, securing tubes/catheters

What is important about neck/ear bandage tightness?

Must not restrict breathing or circulation

What are abdominal bandages used for?

Compression, protection, support, and preventing fluid buildup

Why are abdominal bandages risky?

Can restrict breathing if too tight

How often should bandages be monitored?

Daily

When should a bandage be changed if wet?

Immediately

How often are orthopedic bandages changed?

Every 5–7 days

How often are wound bandages changed?

Every 1–4 days depending on contamination

What signs indicate bandage complications?

Swelling, cold digits, discoloration, odor, discharge, pain, chewing

What should owners do if bandage slips or smells?

Bring animal in immediately

What are signs of an ill-fitting bandage?

Swelling, cold/discolored toes, slipping/twisting, licking/chewing, bad odor

How do you properly lavage a wound?

Use sterile isotonic fluids with pressure (syringe + needle) to remove debris

What is the function of the vet wrap layer?

Final outer layer that holds everything together and provides protection/support

How can you tell if a bandage is too tight?

Swelling, pain, discoloration, spreading toenails, licking behavior