Bandage TypesRobert Jones Bandage

Used for temporary immobilization of fractures distal to the elbow or stifle before surgery

Must extend one joint above and below the structure you wish to immobilize

Large bulky bandage that provides rigid stabilization

Tape stirrups are placed on the lateral aspects of the limb. A tongue depressor is placed between them to prevent adherence of the stirrups to each another

Adhesive tape stirrups are initially placed on the patient's foot

Roll cotton is wrapped along the length of the limb. Cotton padding can be used to create a thicker bandage if necessary

Elastic gauze is wrapped over the cotton and pulled fairly tight to compress it Not Shown:The stirrups are reflected on top of the gauze

Protective tape, nonocclusive is then firmly applied. Elastic tape, in this case Vetrap®, forms the outer layer of the bandage

C

The completed bandage should feel solid, and a “ping” should be heard on percussion

Bandage TypesModified Robert Jones bandage

(simple padded bandage)

Less bulky Reduce post operative swelling of limbs

Provides little or no splinting or immobilization

• Very common bandage• Forelimb or hindlimb• Numerous indications– Protect incision or wound– Provide support (minimal)– Prevent / reduce swelling

Modified Robert Jones

Tips– Always work distal to proximal–Maintain constant pressure– 50 % overlap– Place the limb in functional position– Avoid wrinkles– Visualization of middle toes

Modified Robert Jones

A. Tape stirrups and a padded secondary layer are applied to the limb

Modified Robert Jones or simple

padded bandage

B. This is followed by application of a gauze tertiary layer

Make sure at least 2 toes are visible!

C. The stirrups are reflected to adhere to the gauze, and the bandage is covered by protective tape

Bandage TypesChest or abdominal bandage

Applied firmly but without constriction of the chest or abdomen

Applied in the standard three layers as described previously

SplintsDistal limb splints

Can be made with tongue depressors or pre made aluminum splints

Used for temporary immobilization or definitive stabilization, commonly used on:

Distal Radius and UlnaCarpus and Tarsus

Metacarpal, Metatarsals, and Phalanges

SplintsUsed to support traumatized distal limbs

Limb should be well padded to prevent pressure points from developing

Always be placed on the caudal aspect of the limb

Cast Application

Stabilization of certain fractures distal to the elbow or stifle

Immobilization of limbs to protect ligament or tendon ruptures

Must extend one joint above and below the structure you wish to immobilize

Specialized BandagesEar bandages

May be used in the treatment of aural hematomasAfter ear surgeriesAfter traumatic injuries to the pinnaUsed to help immobilize the ear which increases the comfort for the

patient

Specialized BandagesTail Bandages

Protect an amputation site Trauma to the tip of the tail

Aftercare of Bandages, Casts, Splintsand Slings

Close monitoring of the patientMonitor them daily for in hospital patients

Weekly for out of hospital patients

Client education is essentialToes need to monitored daily for:

Warmth Color

SwellingFoul odor from area

Aftercare of Bandages, Casts, Splintsand Slings

Closely monitor the patient for:Foul odor from area

Watch for chafing or rubbing from the bandage

Patient should not be allowed to:Chew or lick at the bandage

(placement of Elizabethan collars may be required)

Exercise should be restricted to short leash walks Protect the bandage from dirt and moisture when patient is outside

(Placement of a plastic bag or waterproof material over the bandage)

Cover placed over the bandage should not be left on for more than 30 minutes, allowing the bandage to “breathe”

Aftercare of Bandages, Casts, Splintsand Slings

Abrasions Partial thickness wounds of epidermis Deep dermis is exposed Can be painful Associated with minimal bleeding Develop minimal exudate Heal by reepithelialization Healing enhanced by keeping surface moist

and protected

Lacerations Have sharply incised edges with minimal tissue trauma Can be superficial (skin) Can be deep (tendons, muscle) <12 hours after injury

Minimal débridement, lavage, primary closure

>12 hours after injury En bloc débridement, primary closure

Puncture Wounds Have small openings, deep tissue damage

Treatment Exploration Débridement Lavage Primary closure, or drain

Degloving Injuries Common in small animals Often result of being hit by car, and dragged Anatomic degloving Physiological degloving Treatment

Débridement, lavage, management of open wound

Decubital Ulcers Result of compression of soft tissue and skin

between body prominence and surface an animal is lying upon

Possibility of secondary infections Treatment

Prevention is best Minimal débridement Closures often fail Skin flaps preferred in some cases