Journal watch20 October 2021
Author(s): C.M. Bennett
Published in: UK-Vet Equine
Date: July 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/ukve.2021.5.4.168
Type of access: Requires membership/payment
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Our summary
Bennett, C. M. (2021) Factors that cause bandage complications in equines and how they can be resolved. UK-Vet Equine, 5 (4), pp. 168-173.
This review article discusses the various factors that need to be considered to prevent and resolve bandage complications in equines.
The causes of bandage injuries, both primary, which occurs whilst the bandage is in place, and secondary, which occurs 24-48 hours after removal, are considered together with the three principles that should be followed to achieve a correct bandaging technique: magnitude of pressure; distribution of pressure, and application of Laplace’s Law – that tension in the walls of a container is dependent on both the pressure and its radius.
The following section discusses how to resolve complications, and the importance of close monitoring is stressed. Referring to the human medical literature, the author examines the factors to consider when designing an effective compression bandage, including mathematical models for effective pressure and the impact that different types of bandaging materials can have on the pressure exerted.
The review highlights the lack of available evidence on equine bandaging and makes recommendations as to where additional research would be beneficial. Recommendations for veterinary practice are also made; these include having whole team bandage protocols, enhanced client education including information with illustrations showing correct bandaging practices, and using bandaging care plans to identify complications through enhanced learning on pain assessment, heat, swelling, discharge, smells, strike through, and correct limb positioning throughout the application.
Take home
This review provides an overview of bandage complications in equines and gives information on how they can be resolved and, importantly, how they might be prevented using protocols and enhanced education and training.
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