Factors that cause bandage complications in equines and how they can be resolved

Veterinary medical bandages are used throughout equine practice for many reasons including distal limb wounds, protection of incisions and prevention of oedema and haematoma formation (Canada et al, 2016). The application of bandages, as well as checking and maintaining patency of previously applied bandages, forms a large part of the registered equine veterinary nurse's (REVN) workload. Other types of distal limb support include casts and splints, which are used to provide external support for fractures and for immobilising wounds that lie over joints (Guthrie, 1995). REVNs must look at the equid holistically and move towards a patient-focused approach to nursing. By doing so, problems with bandaging can be avoided while the equid is hospitalised and under the veterinary team's care (Pullen and Gray, 2006). Problems can occur post-discharge, while the equid is being cared for at home (Figure 1), so the veterinary nurse plays an important role in helping to create a home care plan in conjunction with both the veterinary surgeon and owner (Calder, 2014).