Veterinary Bandaging Techniques

• Bandaging material is used to protect injuries.

Benefits of Using a Bandage

• Provides protection against contamination and self-trauma by increasing warmth for capillary action.
• Supplies support for fractures and luxation.
• Applies pressure to reduce hemorrhage, swelling, and dead space.
• Immobilization provides pain relief by restricting movement and is important in early phases when wound strength is minimal.
• Can be absorbent.
• Aids in debridement.

Ideal Bandage Requirements

• Permeable to air, allowing air in and moisture out.
• Conforms to the body.
• Inert/immobile.
• Sterile, especially the primary layer.
• Aesthetically pleasing.
• Inexpensive.
• Possesses a long storage life.

Considerations of Bandage Application

• Use absorbent materials when excessive moisture is present.
• Bandages need to be changed frequently.
• Bandage material must have an appropriate width.
• Application without ripples or wrinkles prevents discomfort or irritation.
• The primary layer should be large enough to cover the complete wound.
• Always check for tightness.
• Schedule follow-up and bandage change appointments as needed (PRN).

Bandage Layers for Wound Management

• Primary/Contact Layer: Provides protection to the wound.
• Secondary Layer: It absorbs exudate, secures the contact layer, and provides pressure to the dead space while preventing edema.
• Tertiary Layer: Secures the other parts of the bandage.

Primary Layer

Adherent Bandage

• Adheres to the wound.
• Used for wound debridement, though now not recommended because it may cause further epithelial damage, and removal can be painful for the patient.
• Wet-to-Dry and Dry-to-Dry bandages are no longer recommended for wound care.
• Examples consist of gauze and lap sponges.

Non-Adherent Bandages

• Meant for covering a wound for protection without adhering to it.
• Keeps the wound moist, minimizing tissue injury.
• Used during the reparative phase when granulation tissues start to form.
• Warm and moist materials improve epithelialization.

Non-Adherent Bandages – Semi-Occlusive Bandages

• Breathable, allowing oxygen to reach the wound, yet impermeable to bacteria.
• Vaporization of exudate occurs to reduce the potential for maceration.
• Provides a physical bacterial barrier.
• Keeps tissue from dehydrating to aid epithelialization, allowing absorption of excess fluid.

Semi-Occlusive Bandage - Films

• Examples: Bioclusive, Tegaderm, and Opsite.
• Allows wound inspection because it’s transparent.
• Impermeable to water and bacteria.
• Nonabsorbent: It is indicated to minimally exudative wounds.

Semi-Occlusive Bandage – Other Examples

• Telfa and Primapore: Specialized gauze pads which has a light to moderate absorptive capacity to remove excess fluid.
• Bandage should be changed as needed.

Non-Adherent Bandages - Occlusive Bandages

• Used for sealing particular wounds and the tissue around it off from fluids, air, and harmful contaminants like bacteria and viruses.
• Prevents wound desiccation by inhibiting the transmission of any water vapor, thus promoting a moist environment.

Occlusive Bandages - Hydrocolloid

• Provides a moist and insulating the healing environment, and allows the body's own enzymes to assist in healing.
• Indicated only for non-infected wounds. Active surface is treated to form a gel.
• When in contact with wound exudate, it absorbs the fluid and swell which forms a gel within the material.
• Can be used on light to moderate exudating wounds.
• Does not need frequent changes. A new bandage only needs to be applied every 3-7 days.

Non-Occlusive Bandages

• Very porous, also allow fluid and air to move through it.
• Has porosity which allows bacteria to penetrate toward the wound.
• Frequent bandage change only occurs when needed.
• Is often used only as a secondary layer.

Non-Occlusive, Adherent Bandages

• Includes gauze squares/rolls.
• Includes lap sponges which are used as a primary incisional or secondary layer due to its absorbent capabilities.

Secondary Layer

• Primary function is to provide absorption of blood, serum, exudate, debris, bacteria, and any enzymes from wound.
• To be changed frequently, before it soaks to the tertiary layer and promotes bacteria inward toward the wound.

Secondary Layer - Examples

• Gauze roll.
• Cast padding.
• Lap sponges are used as the primary bandage for incisional wounds sometimes.

Tertiary-Out Layer

• Primary function is to hold the other bandage layers in place and protect from any and all contamination.
• If any layer gets wet, be aware of inwards bacteria.

Tertiary-Out Layer Examples

• Porous tape.
• Vet wrap.
• Cotton stockinette.

Discharging: Bandage Care

• Discussion points are based on unique presentation.
• To provide proper home care instructions; foot booty on walks, and leash walk only.
• No licking/biting bandage.
• Use "Bitter Apple" or cone/balloon.
• Monitoring for pain and discomfort.