Proper bandaging of the limbs is a procedure that every horse owner should be able to carry out. There are any number of circumstances that benefit from proper bandaging such as trauma,lacerations,swelling,etc. Improper bandaging however may worsen some conditions and may cause new, even worse problems that that which called for the bandaging in the first place. Several general points are important for proper bandaging:

1. There should always be appropriate padding under the outer wrap material, that is, material such as "Vetrap", ace bandage, elastikon, etc. should never be used directly on the leg. There should always be a leg "cotton" under the outer wrap. This prevents the outer material from becoming too tight, potentially rolling down to form a "tourniquet" around the limb. Unattended this" tourniquet" could have devastating consequences. 

2. The wrap should not be placed directly over bony prominences. Areas such as the back of the "knee" or carpus (accesory carpal bone) and the point of the hock (talus) have no natural padding between the skin and underlying bone. Bandages that are tight over these prominences may cause pressure sores. These pressure sores may occur quickly and can represent a cronic, difficult problem to deal with.

3. Bandages must be monitored. Observation for signs of lameness, odor, swelling above or below the wrap, discharge, soiling, etc. should be done frequently (at least daily).

4. Bandages should be changed. Even if the wrap looks good externally it should be removed periodically (at least every couple of days). This allows for evaluation of the underlying problem for which the bandage was applied in the first place.

5. Leg wrapping materials should be available. Every horse owner should have a first aid kit (see our "Emergencies" page) with several leg wraps readily available.