Equine Bandaging and Wound Care: Welfare Best Practice

Correct bandaging and wound care is essential for equine welfare, with bandaging errors causing serious complications including cast syndrome and pressure necrosis.

Key Facts

Bandaging errors including too-tight application cause pressure necrosis within hours
Bandage rubs cause painful skin lesions that require treatment
Stable bandages require daily removal and reapplication to prevent complications
Robert Jones bandages provide temporary immobilisation for fractures during transport
Wound management including irrigation and appropriate dressings prevents infection

Welfare Considerations

Incorrect bandaging in horses causes significant welfare harm. Bandages applied too tightly cause ischaemic necrosis with catastrophic consequences including tendon necrosis requiring euthanasia. Bandages applied too loosely slip and cause rubs. Bandages left in place too long cause pressure sores. Wound management errors including inappropriate dressings delay healing and increase infection risk. Welfare-focused bandaging requires training in correct technique, daily assessment of bandaged limbs, and immediate removal and rebandaging if any signs of swelling, pressure, or discharge appear. Owners should receive demonstration and supervision before managing wounds independently.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary or equine nurse training in basic bandaging technique before attempting alone
Check bandaged limbs twice daily for swelling, temperature change, or discharge
Remove and reapply stable bandages daily to prevent pressure complications
Seek immediate veterinary advice for any wound that may require suturing
Keep wound care supplies including irrigation solution accessible in your first aid kit