BANDAGE CARE
WHY DOES MY PET NEED TO WEAR A BANDAGE?
Bandages, splints, and casts are used for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons for your pet to wear a bandage and splint are to aid in healing of a fracture or other orthopedic injury and to protect the surgical repair of an orthopedic injury. In some cases, a bandage may be used for a short period of time to help immobilize a joint, reduce post-operative swelling, or protect an incision.
FOR HOW LONG WILL MY PET NEED TO WEAR A BANDAGE?
The length of time your pet will need to wear a bandage will depend on the reason for the bandage. If the bandage is being used reduce post-operative swelling or protect an incision site, it will need to be worn for 1 to 2 weeks. If a bandage and splint are used to protect a surgical repair, it will need to worn anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks depending on the condition. For fracture or joint stabilization, a bandage and splint will often need to be worn for 8 to 10 weeks.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO CARE FOR THE BANDAGE?
It is very important for the bandage to be kept clean and dry. Place a protective booty over the bandage while walking your pet outside. The protective booty does not need to be worn while indoors. Your pet should wear an Elizabethan collar or inflatable collar at all times to prevent chewing or licking at the bandage. If the bandage slips or becomes wet, soiled, odorous, or damaged, please return your pet to VOMC for a bandage change.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO HAVE THE BANDAGE CHANGED?
In general, the bandage will need to be changed or checked weekly. More frequent bandage changes will be required if there is an open wound or infected incision that needs to be managed. In some situations, if the bandage is kept in good condition, it will not need to be changed each week. The surgeon will provide recommendations as to the frequency of bandage changes.
CAN I CHANGE THE BANDAGE OR HAVE MY FAMILY VETERINARIAN CHANGE THE BANDAGE?
We do not recommend that you change the bandage at home. Bandaging is very difficult and if not done correctly, can lead to major complications. If you cannot come in for weekly bandage changes with us, we can coordinate with your family veterinarian to have them change the bandage provided they are comfortable doing so.
DOES MY PET NEED TO BE SEDATED FOR BANDAGE CHANGES?
We will do our best to attempt placing the bandage without sedation; however, sedation will be required if your pet is too wiggly and cannot be effectively restrained. Sedation can be very beneficial as it reduces stress, allows us to place the bandage appropriately, allows us to treat any wounds, and helps keep your pet comfortable while manipulating the injured leg.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BANDAGE FALLS OFF AFTER HOURS OR ON THE WEEKEND?
There is ALWAYS a risk that the bandage will prematurely fall off. This usually coincides with too much activity or chewing on the bandage, so following activity restriction guidelines and using an Elizabethan collar to prevent chewing will help reduce the risk of the bandage prematurely falling off. If the bandage falls off after hours, it can be replaced the following day that VOMC is open. If the bandage falls off early in the weekend, we may have you go to your family veterinarian or a local emergency clinic to have it replaced. The surgeon will provide you with guidelines for these situations.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BANDAGES?
Bandage-related complications can be minor or severe. Paying close attention to the bandage and following all of the guidelines for bandage care will help reduce the risk of bandage-related complications. Minor complications include skin irritation, swollen digits, and discomfort. Major complications include pressure sores, skin infection, skin necrosis, loss of blood flow, nerve damage, and damage to the surgical repair. Minor complications will often require modifications to the bandage. Treatment of major complications can be frustrating and lengthy. The surgeon will discuss the treatment plan if any major complications occur.